Consent for Cookie Use We use cookies to improve your experience on our websites. You can learn more about what information we collect and how we use it on our Internet Privacy Statement.
Your doctor may take a sample, or biopsy, of abnormal tissue. The majority of warts do not require a biopsy. But a biopsy may be taken if genital warts, Opens dialog cannot be easily identified with a physical exam or during a gynecology exam with a lighted magnifying instrument (colposcopy, Opens dialog). A microscopic exam on the biopsied tissue can help your doctor find out whether human papillomavirus (HPV), Opens dialog is present.
The biopsy can be done in your doctor's office or clinic. You may have an injection of a numbing medicine (local anesthetic, Opens dialog). This is more likely to be used for biopsies of the outer genital area on both men and women: this includes the vulva, Opens dialog, scrotum, Opens dialog, or penis. The injection can be painful. But local anesthetic is needed when the biopsy is likely to be more painful than the injection.
There usually are no complications after a biopsy.
You may have a biopsy if any of the following are true:
Your doctor is not sure what type of abnormal tissue is present.
Warts have not responded to treatment.
Warts appear unusual.
Findings of a biopsy may include the following:
Normal
No abnormal cells are found. This usually means that the human papillomavirus (HPV) is not present.
Abnormal
Abnormal cells called koilocytes are found. Koilocyte cells collected from the genital or anal areas are abnormal. They are a sign of infection with HPV.
Other types of skin lesions also may be found.
Abnormal cervical cell changes caused by HPV will be treated differently than how genital warts are treated.
Information about Biopsy of Genital Warts (Human Papillomavirus)
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
