Anogenital Warts

These warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

There are more than 100 HPV but generally the HPV 6 and HPV 11 are the main viruses to cause genital warts.

Some strains of HPV can cause anogenital cancer.

Visible genital warts and sub clinical HPV infections, nearly always arise from direct skin contact:

• social contact
• oral sex
• vertical – mother to baby transmission through the birth canal
• self-incubation
• Fomites/ objects you touch but this is very controversial.

Sites may involve the vulva, vagina, cervix, urethra, penis, scrotum, and the anus.

They may also be found on the lips or in the mouth.

Diagnosis is made clinically but a biopsy maybe done. There are blood tests that can be done too.

Treatment:

1. No treatment
2. Self-applied treatment
3. In treatment – cryotherapy, cautery
4. Experimental treatment

Genital warts and cancer

Usually HPV 6 and 11 cause external visible warts.

HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33 and 35 are less common as visible warts but are strongly associated with anogenital warts.

It should be noted that certain strains of HPV can cause cervical cancer.

Anogenital warts are caused by a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Some strains of HPV can cause anogenital cancer.

HPV vaccines

1. Cervarix is effective against HPV 16 and 18
2. Gardisel is effective against HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.
3. These vaccines are suggested from 12 years and up. It is usually very effective in teenagers and young adults.
4. The data of using the HPV vaccine in older adults shows that it may provide no protection.