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Anal Warts are a very common condition. They are lesions which may
appear as small nodules, usually painless but sometimes itchy. They are
often multiple and they may be found on the skin, the penis, the anus and
peri-anal area as well as the mouth and oral cavity.
They are usually small but in cases of neglect or immunosuppression they
can reach very large size.
Anal warts are caused by the HPV virus. Several strains of the virus exist
and they have variable degrees of infectivity and potential for malignancy.
The virus is transmitted by direct contact or sexual intercourse.
Several topical cauterising agents are used such as podophyllin etc.
When the warts are extensive, intra-anal or too large, surgical excision
under general anaesthetic is indicated. Unfortunately there is a high
recurrence rate.
Anal Warts