Genital Warts : Diagnosis And Treatment

People often feel embarrassed by growths in their genital area and do not see a doctor. But seeing a dermatologist can provide peace of mind because you can get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

A dermatologist can diagnose genital warts by examining the warts during an office visit. Sometimes a dermatologist will remove a wart or part of it and send it to a laboratory. This can confirm that a patient has genital warts.
Your physician will perform a physical examination of any areas where you suspect warts may be occurring. Because warts can be deep inside the body for women, your physician may need to perform a pelvic examination as well. Your doctor may apply a mild acidic solution, which helps to make the warts more visible.
A physician can also take a swab of the area to obtain cells from your cervix (Pap smear). These can then be tested for the presence of HPV. Certain types of HPV may cause abnormal results on a Pap smear, which may indicate precancerous changes. If your doctor detects these abnormalities, your doctor may suggest more frequent screenings to monitor these changes.
Your doctor will also ask questions about your health and sexual history. This includes symptoms you have experienced and any times you have engaged in unprotected sex, including oral sex.

If you are concerned you may have contracted a form of HPV known to cause cervical cancer, your physician can perform a DNA test. This determines what strain of HPV you have in your system.