As you age, it’s common for your body to develop bumps and growths in various places. One of those places is the area around your anus. Two common growths are perianal skin tags and anal warts.
These can be similar in appearance, but their causes and treatments differ. To ensure you receive the correct care, visit Lisa Perryman, MD, FACS, FASCRS, at Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists in Parker, Colorado.
If you have skin tags on your neck, there’s an increased risk you may also develop skin tags around your anus. Called acrochordons, skin tags tend to form in areas prone to friction. The anus, neck, groin, and underarms are all common locations.
Perianal skin tags can also form in the wake of healed anal fissures or a blood clot inside a hemorrhoid. They may appear in people with aggressive personal hygiene habits. Often, the cause of perianal skin tags isn’t known.
Generally, skin tags, including perianal tags, produce no pain. The extra skin, though, may feel uncomfortable. Skin tags typically have a teardrop shape, and are the same color as your surrounding skin.
Sometimes, skin tags may be mistaken for hemorrhoids in shape and feel. However, hemorrhoids may be uncomfortable or painful and frequently bleed. Skin tags bleed only in rare circumstances but are often a hygiene or cosmetic concern to patients.
It may be easier to confuse perianal skin tags with anal warts, but you should probably seek medical care either way to rule out potentially serious conditions.
The cause of anal warts is known. Virtually all warts are caused by strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV strains 6 and 11 account for about 90% of perianal warts. HPV 6 and 11 are low-risk strains and usually do not lead to anal cancer.
Anal warts typically start as dome-like bumps. While they can be flesh-colored like perianal skin tags, they can also be other colors like brown, white, or pink.
Warts can grow quickly and form clusters that resemble cauliflower. Anal warts can form inside the anal canal, and you may not be aware of them.
Itchiness is the most common sensation associated with these warts, and they can bleed as well as cause discharge.
Anal warts result from HPV transfer from a person who is infected, through intercourse or other contact with the virus. Anal warts are contagious, while perianal skin tags are not.
Both perianal skin tags and anal warts can be removed or treated in the office. More advanced anal warts require outpatient surgery to prevent their spread. While tags are not usually harmful, it’s important to be certain of the cause of any unusual growths in or around your anus.
Contact Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists to arrange a consultation with Dr. Perryman. Call or click to book your appointment today.
