Anal Warts
Anal warts, also known as “condyloma acuminata,” form in and around the anus. They often first appear as small growths, but over time can become larger, sometimes having a cauliflower like appearance. They are often asymptomatic, but can cause pain in some patients.
Diagnosis
Anal warts are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV), which is a common sexually transmitted disease. Anal warts can be spread by any contact from an infected partner, including secretions or skin-to-skin contact. A physical examination of the affected area is used to diagnose anal warts. Your physician may use a small instrument (about the size of a finger) to inspect the anal canal for additional warts.
Treatment
Anal warts can sometimes be treated non-surgically with topical medications such as podophyllin, trichloroacetic acid, and bichloroacetic acid. Warts can also be frozen with liquid nitrogen.
Surgery may be required to treat anal warts. The number and location of the warts determines whether a local or general anesthetic must be used. Anal warts can sometimes be removed in a procedure room at the Palm Beach Digital Surgery Institute. More severe cases may need to be removed in the operating room.
If warts are extensive, multiple surgeries may be required. About half of patients will develop warts again following removal, requiring additional treatment or surgery.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
At the Palm Beach Digital Surgery Institute, we’re committed to empowering our patients, sharing options and information so you can make the decision that’s right for you and your family.
Dr. Eduardo Parra-Davila MD, FACS, FASCRS and his team begin by focusing on not just the patient, but their entire family: the support system and people committed to restoring the patient to a better quality of life.
Prior to joining Palm Beach Health Network Physician Group, Dr. Parra served as the Director of Minimally Invasive and Colorectal Surgery and the Director of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction at Florida Hospital Celebration Health in Orlando, FL. Previously, he also served as the Director of the Minimally Invasive Surgery Program at a Hospital in Boca Raton and as the Chief of General Surgery at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Miami. Dr. Parra-Davila has worked as a clinical assistant professor of surgery at the University of Central Florida, Florida State University and University of Miami.
Dr. Parra performs his surgeries at Good Samaritan Medical Center, located in West Palm Beach. “One of the reasons I came to Good Sam was for the robotic program,” explains Dr. Parra. “It’s a small community hospital with maybe one of the best technologies there is in surgery, and I like that combination.”