What Are My Treatment Options for Anal Warts?

When a condition is described as an “Important risk factor” for cancer, you want to do what you can to alleviate this risk. Well, that’s exactly what the American Cancer Society says about anal warts and anal cancer — left untreated, anal warts can lead to anal cancer.

The good news is that we offer several treatment options for anal warts that can help reduce this cancer risk, and relieve any symptoms that may have developed.

As our name states, the team at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery focuses on issues that involve your colorectal health, which includes anal warts. Here’s a brief look at where anal warts come from and what we can do to clear these growths, and your cancer risks.

The origin of anal warts

Any wart that develops on your body, whether on your hands, feet, or around your anus, stems from a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV infections are incredibly common, and about 13 million Americans are affected each year.

About 90% of anal warts are a result of two types of HPV — 6 and 11 — and they’re typically transmitted sexually. No matter which strain of HPV is involved, the warts can form around the exterior of your anus or inside the canal, as well as around your genitals.

In many cases, you might not even be aware of the warts, but you should be on the lookout for the following signs:

• Itchiness around your anus
• Lumps around your anus
• Anal bleeding (often bright red blood)
• Anal discharge, which would indicate internal anal warts

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, we encourage you to visit us for a diagnosis and treatment. While having anal warts certainly doesn’t mean that you will automatically get anal cancer, untreated HPV infections can increase your risks.

Treating anal warts and reducing your risks for cancer

Now let’s get into how we go about treating anal warts, which depends upon the extent of the infection and the location of the warts.

Topical medications for anal warts

For external warts, we might first try topical solutions that destroy the warts. These medications are prescription only and they’re highly effective and designed for sensitive areas like your anus and genitals. (Please don’t try over-the-counter remedies for warts — these are designed for other areas.)

Using cold or heat to destroy anal warts

If topical ointments aren’t doing the job, we might recommend cryotherapy, a procedure in which we quickly freeze the anal warts using liquid nitrogen. 

Going in the other direction, we can also cauterize warts using electricity to destroy them.

Surgery for anal warts

If your warts are large or they’re located inside your anal canal, we might recommend surgical excision, which we can often perform on an outpatient basis using only local anesthesia.

As you can see, we offer several options for getting rid of anal warts and we will work with you to find the best option for your circumstances. 

The most important takeaway is not only that we have treatment options for anal warts, but that treating these growths is incredibly important for reducing your risk for anal cancer down the road.

So, if you’re dealing with anal warts or you recognize some of the symptoms we describe above, don’t delay in contacting our office in Fairfax, Virginia, at 703-280-2841 to set up a consultation with one of our colorectal specialists.