Like genital warts which are also caused by HPV , anal warts can be managed. The key is to have them diagnosed as early as possible. Anal warts begin as very tiny lumps or bumps, growing larger over time. Warts often blend in with your skin tone, but sometimes, they may appear darker or lighter than the surrounding skin.
With larger warts or clusters of small warts, you may notice a bump or lump when showering or when cleaning after a bowel movement. Sometimes, even larger warts cause no noticeable symptoms. Without medical attention, your warts could grow and become symptomatic, causing pain, bleeding, and other issues. Plus, without treatment, warts can spread to other areas of your body, including your genitals.
Keeping warts from spreading and growing is important. But probably the biggest reason to have warts diagnosed early is to help reduce your risk of developing anal cancer. The American Cancer Society also notes that while anal cancer is relatively uncommon, both the disease rate and its death rate have been rising in recent years, making treatment of anal warts even more important.
Having anal warts diagnosed early means you can begin managing them in the initial stages, before the warts have a chance to progress to cancerous stages.
Diagnosing anal warts is a relatively simple process. Then he examines the area around your anus, and he may also use a slim, lighted scope called an anoscope to look inside the anal canal. In a very few cases, he might take a small tissue sample for additional examination under a microscope. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your treatment can begin. Options include prescription topical creams or acid treatment. He may turn to surgical removal if the warts are very large or located inside the anal canal.
