What Causes Condyloma?

Condyloma is the medical name for warts that develop in or near your anus. They’re caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection that spreads through sexual or skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. 

Anal warts require a diagnosis by a specialist like board-certified colon and rectal surgeon Lisa Perryman, MD, of Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists. Dr. Perryman has extensive experience diagnosing and treating a full range of conditions that affect the colon and rectum and provides exceptional care. 

Following confirmation of anal warts, Dr. Perryman will discuss your treatment options and choose the best course of action. 

HPV and anal warts 

Warts caused by HPV can appear on various parts of your body. In the case of condyloma, the virus appears as warts in your anal area. Because anal warts are not painful and do not always cause noticeable symptoms, some people are unaware they have them. 

If you suspect you have anal warts, schedule a visit with Dr. Perryman for an examination. Anal warts caused by certain high-risk strains of HPV can lead to cancer if left untreated. Although there is no cure for HPV, anal warts can be treated.

Signs and symptoms of anal warts

Anal warts generally start out as small, soft, dome-shaped bumps. They are light brown, white, or flesh-colored. Warts can quickly spread and form large, cauliflower-like clusters. If they’re on the outside of your anus, you can feel them. However, sometimes these warts develop on the inside of the rectum. 

Not everyone with HPV develops warts. HPV may remain dormant in your body and cause no symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of anal warts are:

• Soft lumps on or near your anus
• Bleeding
• Itching
• Discharge

Anytime you have symptoms that are out of the ordinary, it’s wise to seek evaluation. 

Treatment for anal warts

Anal warts can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on their location, number, and size. If the warts are small, Dr. Perryman may treat them with podophyllin or bichloracetic acid, solutions that can be applied directly to the warts to cause sloughing. 

This is a simple office procedure that only takes a few minutes. Occasionally, an ointment will be prescribed to apply at home. This is in addition to the treatment provided in the office. 

In most cases, a single treatment won’t cure anal warts. Close monitoring is essential, because the virus may persist and cause new anal warts to form. The virus may remain in the tissue even after there are no visible warts. Small, recurring warts are easily treated in the office. 

If there are numerous anal warts or large warts are found inside or outside the rectum, Dr. Perryman may recommend surgical removal as the best option. 

Is it necessary to remove anal warts?

Anal warts need to be removed. Even if no warts are visible after removal, follow-up visits are important as they often reoccur. If the warts are not treated, they can cause serious problems. They can spread, grow in size, and, in rare cases, become cancerous. This makes follow-up crucial. Dr. Perryman can advise you on the best way to remove anal warts, through either surgery or topical medications.

Don’t hesitate to schedule a visit with us at Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists for an evaluation if you notice signs of anal warts or have any other concerns about your colorectal health. Dr. Perryman can answer your questions and address your concerns. To schedule a visit 

call or message our Parker, Colorado, office. A knowledgeable team member is ready to assist you in setting up an appointment.