What should you know about colon warts?

Common warts are caused by human papillomavirus, but a growth described as a colon wart may actually be an anal wart, a skin tag, an irritated polyp, or another lesion. Location, texture, bleeding, pain, and changes over time help clinicians decide what examination is needed.

Warts around the anus can spread through skin-to-skin contact and may occur without obvious symptoms. A lesion inside the colon cannot be reliably identified from a photograph or self-examination, so a clinician may use an external examination, anoscopy, colonoscopy, and sometimes tissue sampling.

Arrange a medical assessment rather than applying household wart products to genital or anal skin. Do not cut, burn, or tie off a growth. Keep the area gently clean, avoid picking, and tell the clinician about bleeding, discharge, pain, bowel changes, or relevant sexual-health concerns.

Treatment depends on the site and diagnosis. Options can include [Imiquimod Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/imiquimod-therapy/), [Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal)](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cryotherapy-lesion-removal/), [Electrosurgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/electrosurgery/), or supervised [Wart Removal](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/wart-removal/).

Seek prompt care for persistent bleeding, a rapidly enlarging or ulcerated growth, severe pain, pus, fever, or difficulty passing stool. Urgent assessment is appropriate for heavy bleeding, fainting, severe abdominal pain, or inability to pass stool or gas.

Ask where the lesion is located, whether it looks like a wart or needs biopsy, whether testing for other causes is appropriate, and which treatment fits the site. Ask how to reduce irritation and whether partners or household contacts need advice.