Contents:
Medical Video: Risk Factors of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) - Manipal Hospital
Definition
What is genital warts biopsy?
Your doctor can take a sample or abnormal tissue biopsy. Most warts do not require a biopsy, but a biopsy can be done if a genital wart cannot be easily identified by a physical test or a gynecological test with a mild examination (colposcopy). A microscope test on a biopsy tissue can help your doctor find out if there is a human papillomavirus (HPV) in your genitals.
When should I undergo genital warts biopsy?
You can do a biopsy if there is some evidence as follows:
- Your doctor is not sure what kind of abnormal tissue you have
- warts do not respond to treatment
- warts look unusual
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing genital wart biopsy?
Treatment for abnormal cells includes waiting alertly without treatment, medical treatment, or abnormal tissue removal. The decision to do a biopsy will be based on whether the biopsy results will tend to affect treatment.
If a biopsy confirms the presence of a male, vaginal, or perianal genital wart, medical treatment is your choice. Sexual intercourse should be avoided until the biopsy area is treated.
Process
What should I do before undergoing genital wart biopsy?
A biopsy can be done at your doctor's office or clinic. You may be injected with a local anesthetic.
What is the process of genital warts biopsy?
Small tissue samples (biopsy) can be taken from genital warts. The sample is seen using a microscope. This is usually used for biopsy outside the genital area of both men and women: this includes the vulva, scrotum, or penis. The anesthetic injection can be painful, but this anesthesia is needed because the biopsy will be more painful than the injection.
What should I do after undergoing genital wart biopsy?
After you have undergone a biopsy, you may feel vaginal pain for a day or two. There may be bleeding or vaginal problems until a week after a biopsy. The blood released will look darker if the Monsel solution is used in a biopsy. You can use sanitary napkins for bleeding. Do not use vaginal soap (douche), have sex, or use tampons for a week, for healing. Do not exercise for 1 day after your colposcopy.
Explanation of Test Results
What do the test results mean?
Findings from biopsies may include the following:
Normal
There are no abnormal cells found, which usually means that there is no HPV.
Abnormal
An abnormal cell called koilocytes is found. Koilocytes are cells that appear hollow or concave when examined with a microscope. Coilocyte cells accumulate from the abnormal anal or genital area and indicate HPV infection. Other types of skin disorders can also be found.
Abnormal changes in cervical cells caused by HPV will be treated in different ways different from the treatment of genital warts.
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