Biopsy Of Genital Warts

Know the basics

What is Biopsy of Genital Warts?

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 cannot be easily identified with a physical exam or during a gynecology exam with a lighted magnifying instrument (colposcopy). A microscopic exam on the biopsied tissue can help your doctor find out whether human papillomavirus (HPV) is present.

Why is Biopsy of Genital Warts performed?

You may have a biopsy if any of the following are true:

Things to know before

What should I know before receiving Biopsy of Genital Warts?

Treatment for abnormal cells includes watchful waiting without treatment, medical treatment, or removal of the abnormal tissue.

The decision to do a biopsy will be based on whether biopsy results are likely to affect treatment.

If a biopsy confirms male genital, vaginal, or perianal warts, medical treatment is an option.

Sexual intercourse should be avoided until the biopsy area is healed.

Know what happens

How to prepare for Biopsy of Genital Warts?

The biopsy can be done in your doctor’s office or clinic. You may have an injection of a numbing medicine (local anesthetic).

What happens during Biopsy of Genital Warts?

A small sample of tissue (biopsy) may be taken from the genital warts. The sample is looked at under a microscope. This is more likely to be used for biopsies of the outer genital area on both men and women: this includes the vulva, scrotum, or penis. The injection can be painful. But local anesthetic is needed when the biopsy is likely to be more painful than the injection.

What happens after Biopsy of Genital Warts?

If you have a biopsy, you may feel some soreness in your vagina for a day or two. Some vaginal bleeding or discharge is normal for up to a week after a biopsy. The discharge may be dark-colored if Monsel’s solution was used. You can use a sanitary pad for the bleeding. Do not douche, have sex, or use tampons for one week, to allow time for your cervix to heal. Do not exercise for 1 day after your colposcopy.

If you have any questions about the Biopsy of Genital Warts, please consult with your doctor to better understand your instructions.

Understand the results

What do my results mean?

Findings of a biopsy may include the following:

Normal

No abnormal cells are found, which usually means that an HPV is not present.

Abnormal

Abnormal cells called koilocytes are found. Koilocytes are cells that appear hollow or concave when examined under a microscope. Koilocyte cells collected from the genital or anal areas are abnormal and indicate infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Other types of skin lesions also may be found.

Abnormal cervical cell changes caused by HPV will be treated differently from how genital warts are treated.

Depending on the laboratory and hospital, the normal range for Biopsy of Genital Warts may vary. Please discuss with your doctor any questions you may have about your test results.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.