Many people carry the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes genital warts without displaying any visible warts. However, if you notice an unusual bump in the genital area or have sexual contact with someone diagnosed with genital warts, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.
Genital warts are one of the sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They appear as small, cauliflower-like growths around the vulva, vagina, cervix, mouth, throat, or penis, and sometimes around the anal opening. These benign tumors occur due to HPV, primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse. The incubation period ranges from a few weeks to several months.
Genital warts can grow rapidly during pregnancy. The presence of multiple warts while pregnant may affect the baby during childbirth.
What do genital warts look like? They appear as small, non-painful bumps that are pink or slightly brown, with a rough surface, resembling cauliflower; they may sometimes cause itching. In women, they typically develop at the edges or inside the vagina, around the anus. In men, they generally appear on the penis, but can also occur on the scrotum or around the anus. The infection is highly transmissible to partners if not treated promptly.
Genital warts are dangerous as they increase the risk of cervical cancer, which is caused by HPV (numerous studies indicate that HPV is present in 99.8% of cervical cancer cases). It is crucial to emphasize that HPV infection occurs before the emergence of dysplastic lesions and subsequently cervical cancer lesions. In men, untreated genital warts can also lead to penile cancer.
Most small genital warts may resolve on their own without treatment, but this can take time. Severe cases with multiple warts require treatment at a specialized dermatological hospital. The primary goal of genital warts treatment is to remove the warts, as it does not eliminate the virus. Depending on the location and extent of the lesions, one of the following treatment methods may be chosen:
– Application of trichloroacetic acid solution: Using a small stick or cotton swab, carefully apply a small amount of trichloroacetic acid on the warts until they turn white. This medication can also be used during pregnancy but should not be applied to the cervix, urethra, or inside the anus.
– Or applying a 20-25% podophyllotoxin solution in the same manner until the genital warts turn brown. Note: Podophyllotoxin is usually only applied to small lesions in the vulva. Apply once a week and wash off the medication after 1-3 hours (leaving it on too long may cause skin ulceration). This medication should not be used during pregnancy and should not be applied inside the vagina, cervix, urethra, mouth, or inside the anus.
After the lesions have healed, it is necessary to apply treatment to the affected area again after one week and continue this for several weeks. During treatment, if strong local reactions occur, you can extend the interval before continuing treatment. For genital warts in men, the treatment and medication are similar, but it should not be used for lesions inside the glans.
For extensive lesions or those in multiple locations, cryotherapy or laser ablation must be used.
The risk associated with genital warts is cervical cancer; therefore, women with genital warts should undergo annual Pap smears to detect early changes that could lead to this disease. Women who are sexually active should have this test every two years. This is the only way to early detect cervical cancer in individuals with genital warts.
Note: When undergoing treatment, it is advisable to apply ointment around the wart area to protect the healthy skin. The medication for genital warts often causes temporary ulceration and pain at the site of injury. It is essential to keep the ulcer clean and dry, and avoid sexual intercourse during the treatment period. Use condoms during sexual activities until the genital warts are completely gone, and continue using condoms for at least six months after successful treatment.
Dr. Nguyễn Kim Giang, Health & Life
