Dr. Duong Quang Huy, Head of the Andrology Unit at Tam Anh General Hospital - District 8, observed large warts around the anus that had merged into plaques. Dr. Huy explained that because the anal canal is about 3-4 cm long and connects to the rectum, the HPV virus can be introduced deep inside during same-sex intercourse. If only external warts are treated while internal ones are ignored, the disease will recur frequently, and the virus will continue to damage the internal mucous membrane.

Andrology and Gastroenterology doctors collaborated on the patient's treatment. The team performed a lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, using a high-frequency electric current to precisely destroy the warty tissue, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy mucous membranes. They also took a biopsy sample to check for cancer risk, which confirmed the diagnosis of genital warts.

After treatment, the patient must abstain from sexual intercourse to avoid infecting partners and damaging the treated areas. Protective measures must be used during future sexual activity.

Dr. Huy uses electrocautery to treat genital warts for a patient. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

Genital warts (condyloma acuminata) are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in men, caused by the HPV virus. Warts typically appear at the base or shaft of the penis and on the foreskin's mucous membrane. Anal genital warts primarily occur through anal sex. Less common causes include the virus spreading from the penis, scrotum, or hands to the anus.

According to Dr. Huy, unprotected same-sex intercourse carries a higher risk of sexually transmitted infections than heterosexual intercourse. This is due to the anal canal's delicate structure, prone to injury, and its moist, bacteria-rich environment. Warts located deep inside the anal canal are not visible to the naked eye, leading to delayed detection and treatment, which can result in complications, the most dangerous being colorectal cancer.

Men should seek medical attention if they notice warts that are bright pink, gray, or dark brown, resembling common warts, cockscombs, or cauliflower. Other symptoms include itching, discomfort in the anal area, and pain or bleeding during defecation. Patients should choose multidisciplinary medical facilities for endoscopy, combined with HPV testing or wart biopsy, to check for precancerous risks and ensure no disease is overlooked. It is crucial to avoid self-treating with strong acidic medications on the sensitive anal mucous membrane, as this can cause burns, ulcers, and infections.

Dinh Lam

*Patient's name has been changed