anogenital venereal wart

What are Anogenital Venereal Warts?

Anogenital venereal warts, also known as genital warts or condyloma acuminatum, are a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are small, flesh-colored bumps or growths that can appear on the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals, anus, and rectum.

Characteristics

• Genital warts typically appear as small, soft growths that can be flat or raised.
• They can be found on the penis, vulva, urethra, vagina, cervix, and anus.
• The symptoms may include:
  • Small bumps or growths in the genital area
  • Soft or firm texture
  • White, red, or pink coloration
  • Burning or itching sensations

Causes

• Genital warts are caused by HPV types 6 and 11, which are considered low-risk strains.
• These viruses can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Prevalence

• An estimated 10% to 20% of the population has genital HPV infections.
• Clinical manifestations occur in about 1% of those infected.
• The peak age group for infection is between 17 and 33 years old.

Treatment

• Treatment options include medications and procedures, but it's possible for the warts to recur within a few weeks or months even with treatment.

References:

• [2] Symptoms: Small bumps in skin of genital area, varying sizes and shapes but typically protrude out, burning, itch
• [3] Symptoms: Small bumps in skin of genital area, varying sizes and shapes but typically protrude out, burning, itch
• [4] Genital warts are the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) and a symptom of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection — a very common and highly contagious skin infection.
• [12] The common types causing genital warts are types 6 and 11.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Anogenital Venereal Warts

Anogenital venereal warts, also known as genital warts, are a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The symptoms can vary from person to person, but here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Visible growths: Genital warts appear as small, rough, or cauliflower-like growths on the genitals, anus, or surrounding areas. They can be skin-colored, whitish, or pinkish in color [1][2].
• Itching and discomfort: The growths can cause itching, burning, or discomfort in the affected area [3][4].
• Painful or bleeding: In some cases, genital warts can be painful or bleed, especially if they are located on the anus or rectum [5].
• No symptoms at all: Some people may not experience any symptoms at all, even though they have the infection [6].

Where Genital Warts Can Appear

Genital warts can grow in various locations, including:

• Vulva
• Vagina
• Cervix
• Anal canal
• Tip or shaft of the penis
• Scrotum
• Anus

It's essential to note that genital warts can also appear in the mouth or throat if a person has had oral sex with an infected partner [7].

References

[1] Genital Warts Symptoms. [2] May 30, 2023 — [3] Sep 2, 2022 — [4] Oct 22, 2024 — [5] Genital warts are rough, crest-like polyps on the genitals, groin, or anus, causing itching, burning, or discharge. [6] They don't usually cause symptoms but can sometimes be painful, itchy or bleed. When to get medical advice. Speak to your GP practice or local ... [7] Genital warts are soft growths that appear on the genitals. They can cause pain, discomfort, and itching. They are a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Diagnosing Anogenital Venereal Warts

Anogenital venereal warts, also known as genital warts, can be diagnosed through various tests and examinations. Here are some of the diagnostic methods used to identify this condition:

• Visual Inspection: Health care providers often diagnose anogenital venereal warts by visual inspection during a physical exam. This is usually done with the aid of a magnifying lens to detect small warts.
• Biopsy: A biopsy may be performed if the lesions are atypical, such as pigmented, indurated, affixed to underlying tissue, bleeding, or ulcerated. This involves removing a small piece of tissue and checking it by a lab.
• Pelvic Exam: For women, a pelvic exam may include a Pap test to check for cervical changes caused by genital warts. A colposcopy may also be performed to examine and biopsy the vagina and cervix.
• Vinegar Solution Test: A vinegar solution applied to HPV-infected genital areas turns them white, indicating the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Who Can Diagnose Anogenital Venereal Warts?

Only a nurse or doctor can confirm the diagnosis of anogenital venereal warts. If you suspect you have warts on your genitals or anus, it is essential to see a nurse or doctor right away for proper evaluation and treatment.

Additional Tests

While not always necessary, additional tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions. These include:

• HPV Testing: Your doctor might perform an HPV test to determine if you have an active HPV infection.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests, such as Venereal Disease Research Laboratory and rapid plasma reagin testing, may be conducted to check for other sexually transmitted infections.

Citations

1. [3] Health care professionals often can find genital warts during a physical exam. Sometimes, a small piece of tissue needs to be removed and checked by a lab.
2. [6] Diagnosis of genital warts is by visual recognition by a health care provider, who may use a magnifying lens to find small warts.
3. [5] Only a nurse or doctor can tell you for sure if you have genital

Treatment Options for Anogenital Warts

Anogenital warts, also known as venereal warts, can be treated with various medications to help alleviate symptoms and reduce the appearance of the warts. Here are some common drug treatments:

• Podofilox: A topical cream or solution that is applied directly to the wart(s) twice daily for three days in a row, followed by no treatment for the next four days [8].
• Imiquimod: A patient-applied treatment that stimulates the body's immune system to fight off the virus causing the warts [11].
• Podophyllin: A clinician-applied treatment that is used to remove the wart(s) and prevent further growth [11].
• Sinecatechins: A topical ointment or cream that is applied directly to the wart(s) to help reduce their size and appearance [11].

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that while these treatments can be effective in reducing the appearance of anogenital warts, they do not eradicate the virus itself. The virus usually goes away on its own within 2 years, but treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further growth.

Additionally, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider before starting any treatment regimen, as they can recommend the best course of action based on individual circumstances.

References

• [8] Using a cotton swab, you apply a gel or liquid solution to the wart(s) twice daily for three days in a row. Then you use no treatment for the next four days.
• [11] Patient-applied treatments include topical imiquimod, podofilox, and sinecatechins, whereas clinician-applied treatments include podophyllin, bichloroacetic acid, and trichloroacetic acid.

Differential Diagnosis of Anogenital Venereal Warts

Anogenital venereal warts, also known as genital warts, are a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be challenging to diagnose due to their similarity in appearance to other skin conditions. The differential diagnosis for anogenital venereal warts includes several conditions that must be ruled out through clinical evaluation and, if necessary, biopsy.

Conditions to Consider:

• Condyloma Lata: A flat, velvety lesion caused by secondary syphilis.
• Molluscum Contagiosum: A viral infection characterized by small, pearly lesions.
• Lichen Planus: An inflammatory condition that can cause skin lesions and itching.
• Enlarged Sebaceous Glands: A benign condition where the sebaceous glands become enlarged.
• Condyloma Acuminatum (Familial Benign Pemphigus): A rare, inherited condition characterized by blistering skin lesions.

Key Diagnostic Features to Consider:

• Visual Inspection: The primary method of diagnosis for anogenital venereal warts is visual inspection. However, atypical lesions may require biopsy for confirmation.
• Lesion Characteristics: Genital warts typically rise above the skin surface and have parakeratosis (a type of skin cell abnormality) and nuclear changes typical of HPV infections.
• Location and Distribution: Anogenital venereal warts are usually found in the genital and anal areas.

Important Considerations:

• HPV Infection: Genital warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which can also cause cervical cancer. Therefore, it is essential to consider HPV infection as a potential underlying condition.
• Differential Diagnosis: A thorough clinical evaluation and, if necessary, biopsy are crucial to rule out other conditions that may mimic anogenital venereal warts.

References:

• Medline database search results (1965-2002) using MeSH headings "genital warts, anogenital warts, diagnosis"
• Annotation M Speculum Exam and Cervix
• Various online medical resources and guidelines

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