There are different methods of anal wart removal. Oftentimes, doctors will recommend a topical treatment if the warts are small and located only on the area around the anus. In these cases, there are a few topical medications that remove those small warts. However, anyone with external warts needs to be examined for internal anal warts. Small internal warts may still be removed with freezing, trichloroacetic acid or surgery. If the warts are large, a surgical procedure is required for the complete removal of the anal warts.
If surgery is needed to remove anal warts, a patient will typically be anesthetized before the procedure is performed. If there are many warts in different spots near the anus and in the rectum, the surgery may need to be performed in multiple stages. A patient may experience pain for a few days after the surgery but after a week or two.
Because anal warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted disease, the warts might come back even after they are successfully removed. This is because HPV often remains inactive in the body for periods of time. If the warts come back, it is likely that they will be able to be treated in your doctor’s office. However, if there is a large number of warts that develop very quickly, anal wart removal surgery may be required again. Left untreated, anal warts can become cancer. Delays in treatment can create warts so large that their removal will require skin grafts. It is important to treat anal warts sooner rather than later.
Nationally Recognized Care
Removal of anal warts is performed at Tampa General Hospital’s Endoscopy Center. Tampa General Hospital is recognized as Top 20 in the Nation and the Highest-Ranked Hospital in Florida for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery by U.S. News & World Report 2023-24.
To find a colon and rectal surgeon who can perform surgery at TGH or prescribe the proper medication for anal wart removal, use our Physician Finder or call at 1-800-833-3627.
