Causes, symptoms and treatment of anal papillomas

1. Reasons for appearance
2. Symptoms of anal papillomas
3. Treatment options
   1. Medicines
   2. Folk remedies
   3. Removal of papillomas on the anus

Papillomas on the anus are small formations consisting of benign cells infected with the virus of the same name. They appear in the anus, sometimes affecting the rectal mucosa. These tumors do not tend to grow, but under certain circumstances they can still degenerate into malignant ones.

Causes of anal papillomas

The appearance of papillomas on the anus is most often provoked by types 16 and 18 of HPV, although other strains may well be the cause. Infection with them and the active activity of these pathogens in the body trigger the process of formation of growths near the anus and inside it.

Infection with the so-called genital HPV, which causes papillomas to appear on the anus, occurs mainly through sexual contact. This happens due to unprotected sexual contact, often when the phallus is inserted into the partner's anus. This is dangerous due to the high probability of injury to the walls of the mucous membrane, as a result of which the virus can penetrate through these cracks into the blood and spread further.

By another route of transmission of genital HPV we mean its entry into the body due to the use of non-sterile instruments when examining the rectum. Also, the likelihood of this remains if they are used during surgery on this part of the intestine and not only. All this may well cause the appearance of papilloma in the anus.

Among other ways the virus can penetrate inside, it is worth highlighting scratches and abrasions, the habit of biting nails and biting hangnails, and failure to comply with personal hygiene rules. In this case, self-infection usually occurs, which can also be discussed if the patient’s belongings are used.

Negative factors in the form of constant stress, chronic lack of sleep, poor nutrition, when the diet lacks foods rich in vitamins C, E, A and other beneficial substances contribute to the appearance of a growth. First of all, this applies to those who do not eat enough fruits, vegetables, and berries.

Also, the formation of papilloma near the anus can be caused by poor environment, long-term treatment with antibiotics, the presence of various gastrointestinal diseases - gastritis, colitis, etc. Problems in the ENT part also lead to this: we are talking about tonsillitis, sore throat, laryngitis, pharyngitis, etc.

1. See also the causes of warts on the anus

Symptoms of anal papillomas

Photos of anal papillomas

Any type of papillomas can be localized in the anus and near the anus in a person. Here both flat and hanging growths on the stalk are found. The former have close contact with the skin, while the latter are distinguished by the presence of a dense base, due to which they adhere to the surface.

Most often, papillomas appear in the anus in men, and we are mainly talking about acrochords (thread-like papillomas) and condylomas. The first type of formations looks like a thin and rather long growth, rising above the tissues by about 1-2 cm, and the second type is something like a cockscomb or cauliflower.

Condylomas range in size from 1 to 2 cm. Their shape is uneven, the borders are not smooth, and the surface is rough. They often consist of several layers, which, overlapping each other, form a deformed tumor. Its color changes depending on how long the papilloma has been present on the body. The longer it is not removed, the darker its shade becomes. Usually it is rich red, burgundy, pink, only in rare cases can flesh-colored formations be seen.

Among the symptoms of papilloma in the anus are the following:

1. Skin redness. It can occur both before the growth appears and after it appears. This is due to the active activity of the virus, as well as the penetration of infection into tissues as a result of their damage. Hyperemia may not be very large, so it is not always possible to detect it immediately.
2. Itching. It is associated with rubbing of papilloma in the anus with clothing, especially if it is made of synthetic fabrics. As a result, there is an urge to scratch the problem areas, which can lead to disruption of the integrity of the growth, the appearance of blood and the introduction of infection.
3. Skin inflammation. The reason for this is usually its constant contact with clothing, the penetration of infections into the blood through cracks in the tissues and the impact of negative factors in the form of poor-quality water, soap with a high content of aggressive chemical components, etc.
4. Painful sensations. They are provoked by the pressure of the papilloma on the anus, resulting in discomfort in the anus. It may increase with increasing physical activity and decrease during rest, such as at night. A characteristic symptom of the appearance of this formation is pain during anal sexual intercourse due to friction of the phallus on the surface of the anus.
5. Foul-smelling rectal discharge. Basically, this problem occurs when papilloma on the anus becomes inflamed when it becomes infected. It can also be caused by stool disorders associated with poor intestinal permeability. This smell is especially acute at the time of bowel movement. In addition, dark inclusions are often found in the excrement, which may indicate pus.
6. Bleeding. It occurs both without external influence and as a result, for example, of injury to a papilloma on the anus due to inaccurate anal sexual contact. It can also be caused by a violation of the integrity of the formation during defecation, if you strain too much.

When anal papillomas occur, if they are large and close the lumen in the rectum, constipation may occur. This is confirmed by the lack of improvement as a result of long-term treatment.

To refute or confirm a person’s diagnosis of “anal papilloma,” you first need to contact a proctologist. He will visually examine the rectum and its opening. If necessary, you will need to perform video endoscopy with the image displayed on the monitor. Taking a smear to determine the type of pathogen may also be relevant.

1. Read also what papillomas in the anus look like in women

Methods for treating anal papillomas

Therapy can be based on the use of medications and the use of folk remedies. To speed up treatment, you can combine them within one course. If this does not give the desired effect, it may be necessary to remove the formation through surgery or physical therapy.

Treatment of anal papillomas with medications

Pictured are medications for anal papillomas

First of all, to remove papilloma on the anus, we can recommend the Epigen Intim spray, which is designed specifically for use in the area of ​​the phallus and anus. It should be sprayed onto the affected area, making 1-2 valve presses. The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the doctor, but on average it is 5-7 days. The cost of the spray is 800 rubles. (350 UAH).

Among the external means for removing anal papilloma, you should also pay attention to Panavir in the form of a gel, which should be applied to the affected area 2-3 times a day for at least one week. It allows you to dry out the formation, reduce the viral load and start the process of its destruction. The cost of Panavir is 600 rubles. (280 UAH).

Among the external treatments for papillomas on the anus, Condilin based on podophyllotoxin, which sells for 900 rubles, deserves attention. (430 UAH). It should be used 2 times a day for 3 days. If the growth does not go away during this time, then after 2-3 weeks you will need to repeat the course of therapy.

A solution of trichloroacetic acid, which has excellent cleansing properties, is also considered very effective. Its average cost is 600 rubles. (250 UAH). The drug is used locally by applying a napkin soaked in it to the affected area.

In addition to treating papilloma on the anus with external means, it is recommended to strengthen the immune system with special nutritional supplements. The most effective and affordable among them is Immunal; it can be bought both in the form of tablets and in the form of drops. In the first case, you need to drink 1-3 tablets per day, and in the second - 2.5 ml. The cost of Immunal is 200 rubles. (95 UAH) and 220 rub. (107 UAH) respectively.

In the treatment of anal papilloma, Immunal can be replaced with an equally effective foreign drug, Reaferon EU. It is sold in ampoules, the contents of which must be diluted with distilled water according to the instructions. It should be taken half an hour before meals once a day for 10 days. The cost of Reaferon is about 600 rubles. (280 UAH).

To suppress the activity of the virus, you can take a course of subcutaneous injections. For this purpose, it is recommended to use one of the most effective drugs - Allokin-Alpha, sold for 4,000 rubles. (1900 UAH). Before use, it is mixed according to the instructions with sodium chloride. One course requires 6-9 injections.

Vitamin-mineral complexes, among which food supplements from the brands “Perfectil”, “Vitrum”, and “Alphabet” have proven themselves to be useful in the treatment of papillomas on the anus, will also help. They must be taken for 2-4 weeks, at least 2 times a year. It is advisable to do this even after successful elimination of the formation, in order to prevent its reappearance.

Folk remedies for the treatment of anal papillomas

An alcohol solution of iodine is very popular, but they only need to treat those formations that are located outside, and not inside, the rectum. They should cauterize the growth by smearing its surface with a small amount of the composition and repeating the procedure after 2-3 days.

Here are some other remedies that will be useful in the treatment of papilloma on the anus:

1. Kalanchoe. Its fresh leaves should be applied to the growth and left there for 5-6 hours under a bandage. After this time, the compress needs to be changed. It is recommended to carry out such procedures for at least 7 days.
2. Laundry soap. They should rub the formation 2-3 times a day, pre-wetting the product. As a result, the growth dries out and disappears after some time. This procedure usually helps 3-5 days after the start of the course.
3. Sea buckthorn oil. For papilloma on the anus, you can moisten a tampon and carefully insert it into the anus. Here it should be maintained for at least 15 minutes a day. The optimal duration of treatment is 10 days.
4. Green tea infusion. It should be brewed in the proportion of 1 tbsp. l. for 200 ml of boiling water. The product should be kept covered for about 15 minutes, strained and the resulting liquid should be used to wipe the formations in the anus.
5. Potato juice. For papilloma on the anus, it can be used in several ways: wipe the growth with a cotton pad or moisten a napkin and leave on the formation for about 15 minutes. In both cases, it is enough to perform this procedure 1-2 times a day.

Methods for removing papillomas on the anus

The most reliable method to remove papilloma on the anus is surgical. It involves excision of the growth with a scalpel, which requires general anesthesia. Thanks to this method, it is possible to remove all infected cells, which minimizes the likelihood of relapse. On average, this operation lasts from 20 to 30 minutes.

Here are other ways to solve the problem:

1. Cryodestruction. Removal of papilloma on the anus is achieved by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. This is a low-traumatic method, which is based on the effect on the growth of low temperatures. Thanks to this, the affected cells are destroyed, and the process of disintegration of the formation itself begins. To achieve this effect, one session is usually enough, which lasts an average of 20 minutes. The price of cryodestruction is 360 rubles (150 hryvnia).
2. Laser removal. As the name suggests, in this case a laser is used to get rid of papilloma on the anus. Its beam, penetrating deep into the tissues, warms them up and thereby contributes to the destruction of the affected cells. As a result, education becomes “weak” and gradually disappears. Local anesthesia may be required to eliminate pain. The price of laser therapy is 2900 rubles (1300 hryvnia).
3. Electrocoagulation. This method involves the destruction of papilloma on the anus with an electric current of a certain frequency. It allows the growth to be cauterized and leads to the death of the affected cells. As a result, after some time the formation is removed on its own, and no trace remains in its place. Complications can only arise if the physiotherapist is poorly qualified, and we are mainly talking about a minor burn. The price of electrocoagulation is 590 rubles (250 hryvnia).
4. Radio wave destruction. In this case, excision of the papilloma on the anus is carried out using a radio knife, without direct contact with the tissue. Due to this, their injury, infection, inflammation and other complications are excluded. This method is effective due to the almost 100% guarantee that the growth will be removed along with the root, which eliminates the possibility of papilloma reappearing in this place. The price of radiosurgical removal is 3000 rubles (1200 hryvnia).

Read also, what is better to remove papillomas - laser or electrocoagulation.

How to get rid of anal papillomas - watch the video:

The problem of papillomas on the anus is, of course, very delicate, but if you don’t decide to tell the doctor about it and don’t start doing something, the condition may worsen. Neglected formations are less amenable to treatment, which means that the likelihood of getting rid of them quickly and painlessly only decreases over time. That is why you should not hesitate to contact a specialist and begin a course of treatment.

1. Related article: Examination of papillomas by a dermatologist