"Cauliflower" is not "vegetable", the true face of genital warts

Author: Sun Hongben, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Reviewer: Peng Jing, Chief Physician, Peking University First Hospital

When Xiao Wang was taking a shower, he found some "cauliflower-like" protrusions on his foreskin. Not only could he not scrape them off, but he also felt a slight itching sensation and discomfort when urinating. Apart from that, he had no other symptoms. Xiao Wang secretly asked his classmate who was a male doctor what was wrong with him. After understanding the situation, his classmate told him that the "cauliflower-like" protrusions on the foreskin were likely genital warts.

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1. What is genital warts?

Genital warts are one of the common sexually transmitted diseases, ranking second in the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases abroad, and mostly occur in young, sexually active individuals.

Genital warts often occur in the moist areas of the mucous membranes of the skin around the external genitalia and anus, appearing as single or multiple nipple-shaped, cockscomb-shaped, cauliflower-shaped, or mass-shaped growths.

Xiao Wang is young and has an active sex life. In addition, there are some "cauliflower-like" protrusions on his foreskin, which are similar to the symptoms of genital warts. Therefore, his classmates speculated that Xiao Wang might have genital warts.

Of course, the above characteristics alone cannot prove that Xiao Wang has genital warts. It is also necessary to observe whether there are other symptoms. So, what are the other symptoms of genital warts?

2. The main symptoms of condyloma acuminatum

Genital warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse. They usually occur in 3 weeks to 8 months and generally have no special symptoms. A few patients experience itching, pain, sexual pain, and abnormal genital odor. If a patient has visible growths on the body surface, an experienced doctor can usually identify them at the first time through careful inspection. In addition to visual judgment, dermatoscopes, acetic acid whitening tests, tissue microscopy, and HPV testing can also help with diagnosis.

After listening to his classmates' description, Xiao Wang's heart skipped a beat. He discovered that his foreskin had "cauliflower-like" bumps, accompanied by slight itching. Although there were no other symptoms, it was very similar to genital warts, so he might indeed have genital warts.

Xiao Wang decided to go to the hospital for a check-up, but before going, he wanted to know how to treat genital warts?

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3. Treatment of genital warts

The classmate told Xiao Wang that genital warts are generally incurable and have a high recurrence rate, but they can often be cured clinically through regular treatment, so there is no need to worry too much and do not put too much mental pressure on yourself. Currently, the purpose of genital warts treatment is to remove warts, improve symptoms, reduce recurrence and meet aesthetic needs. The main treatment methods include the following 7 types:

1. Surgery

For single, small-area genital warts, they can be removed surgically; for large-area genital warts, they can be removed through Mohs surgery, and frozen sections can be used to check whether they are completely removed.

2. Cryotherapy

Use -196℃ low temperature liquid nitrogen to freeze the genital warts and promote the necrosis and shedding of wart tissue. This method is suitable for a small number of genital warts in a small area, divided into two treatments, once a week.

3. Laser treatment

CO2 laser treatment of genital warts is especially suitable for genital warts on the penis and perianal area. For single or a small number of multiple warts, CO2 laser can be used in one treatment, but for multiple or large areas of genital warts, 2 to 3 treatments are required, once a week.

4. Electrocautery

Use high-frequency electroacupuncture or electrocautery to remove condyloma acuminatum. First, give partial anesthesia, then start electrocautery. It is suitable for condyloma acuminatum with small amount and small area.

5. Microwave therapy

Using a microwave surgical treatment machine, insert the tip of a rod-like radiation probe into the base of the wart. When the wart becomes smaller, darker, and turns from soft to hard, it means that the thermal radiation coagulation is complete. At this time, pull out the probe and remove the coagulated lesion with tweezers. In order to avoid recurrence of the disease, the remaining base can be coagulated again.

6. Beta-ray therapy

β-ray therapy is not only effective, but also painless, non-destructive, has few adverse reactions, and a low recurrence rate, and has great promotion value.

7. Drug therapy

Apply ointment on genital warts, especially for genital warts in moist areas, such as warts on the glans penis due to excessive foreskin and uncircumcised penis.

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At this point, the classmate reminded Xiao Wang that the treatment of genital warts may take several weeks to be effective, and during this period Xiao Wang should avoid using soaps, creams and lotions that may irritate the skin. Xiao Wang should not have sex until the treatment is completed and the genital warts disappear. In addition, Xiao Wang should pay attention to the following three matters during the treatment.

1. Do not scratch the affected area to avoid irritation. Genital warts are contagious and scratching can easily cause spread.

2. Do not use hormone drugs indiscriminately. You can use antiviral and less irritating drugs externally.

3. Avoid depression and disordered lifestyle. Keep a good mood, a regular life, and actively improve immunity to resist the virus.

After listening to the professional introduction of his classmates, Xiao Wang had a better idea about his condition and treatment, and was no longer so worried. The classmates said that his condition should be treated with medication, but he still had to go to the hospital for examination and let the doctor treat the symptoms.

To sum up, genital warts are one of the common sexually transmitted diseases. Although it is generally incurable and has a high recurrence rate, it can be clinically cured as long as you go to a regular medical institution and choose the correct treatment method. Patients do not need to worry too much.