Biopsy of Genital Warts (Human Papillomavirus)

Overview

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

The biopsy can be done in your doctor's office or clinic. You may have an injection of a numbing medicine (local anestheticlocal anesthetic). This is more likely to be used for biopsies of the outer genital area on both men and women: this includes the vulvavulva, scrotumscrotum, 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.

Why It Is Done

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.

Results

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.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffIgnite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review BoardClinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC 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 UseTerms of Use. Learn how we develop our contenthow we develop our content.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.comwebmdignite.com.

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