Genital Wart Treatment | NYC
With two board certified dermatologists and a dermatopathologist on the team, Goldenberg Dermatology provides special expertise in the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and removal of warts – including warts and molluscum transmitted through sexual contact
Goldenberg Dermatology in NYC proudly features the most advanced wart removal technologies, including the state-of-the-art, SWIFT device which employs microwave energy in order to destroy warts. This FDA-approved treatment offers a convenient alternative to remove warts from any part of your body. SWIFT only takes seconds and does not require injections with anesthesia, freezing, bandages, or any aftercare.
Goldenberg Dermatology also offers the most advanced skin cancer technologies, including state-of-the-art, non-invasive Nevisense, an advanced method utilized for the detection of melanoma and abnormal moles (dysplastic nevi) in the earliest stages.
If you have a wart on your genitals or anywhere on your body, or any suspicious, unattractive, or unusual growth, bump, spot, lesion, sore, or mole, schedule a consultation at our Upper East Side Manhattan dermatology office to explore your treatment options with a board certified dermatologist.
Molluscum Treatment & Removal
Molluscum Contagiosum is a poxvirus that is spread by direct skin to skin contact, especially wet skin and with vigorous contact. There are four types of Molluscum virus MCV-1, MCV-2, MCV-3, MCV-4, although most cases are caused by MCV-1. In adults, molluscum is usually sexually transmitted and may appear on genitalia, lower abdomen, buttocks, and inner thighs. Our doctors are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted molluscum lesions.
Molluscum Diagnosis – The lesions of Molluscum are small, flesh-colored bumps with a central depression. They are usually diagnosed with a close inspection of the skin.
Molluscum Biopsy / Removal – Methods of removal of Molloscum are similar to genital warts: scraping, freezing, or lasers.
MolluscumCryosurgery – Liquid nitrogen can be a very effective treatment for Molluscum and 1-2 treatments may be needed
Molluscum Topical treatments – In some patients, topical treatments such as imiquimod or tretinoin cream can be used.
SWIFT Microwave Wart Removal
HPV TREATMENT
HPV has received much attention in scientific and medical communities in recent years, in part due to its association with cervical cancer and the development of a new vaccine to prevent certain types of HPV. Genital warts do not cause cervical cancer, but the presence of the virus must be taken very seriously. This article describes genital warts and discusses the causes, symptoms, and treatment options of this virus.
Genital warts are caused by the HPV virus and spread through sexual contact with an infected individual. HPV is actually a family of over 150 different strains of viruses, but the majority of genital warts are caused by two strains of the virus (type 6 and 11). Genital warts are spread through skin-to-skin contact, thus condoms alone will not prevent its transmission, making it a difficult STD to prevent. After exposure through sexual contact, symptoms can take up to one year to develop, which means that an infected individual can continue to spread the virus before they realize they have it. Additionally, it is estimated that a low percentage of the population actually develops symptoms of genital warts, even if they are carrying the HPV virus in their bodies. This asymptomatic presence further contributes to the spread of the virus. These factors contribute to the high prevalence of the HPV virus among the human population (doctors estimate that 25 to 40% of the population carries some strain of HPV).
The HPV virus targets the epithelial tissue, which is found on the skin and in the lining of many of the body’s cavities. Forms of HPV can occur on nearly every part of the body. Genital warts are named as such since they commonly occur in the genital regions and are spread by sexual contact. Genital warts most typically appear on the penis, scrotum, vagina, vulva, cervix, anus, perianal area, and the mouth.
HPV Signs & Symptoms
When genital warts occur in women, the first symptom is usually the appearance or sensation of small, gritty-like lumps that become larger over time. In men, warts usually look similar to warts that form on a person’s hands. The lumps are usually flesh-colored, and range in size. Some people experience clusters of small bumps, while others have only one or two growths. It is important to visit a doctor if you suspect you have genital warts, as they can be difficult to diagnosis by sight alone. Diagnosis is important so that you can receive effective treatment and stop the spread of the virus to partners.
Although genital warts and their prevalence in our population may seem frightening, they are rarely painful or result in severe medical complications. While a very small percentage of people may experience difficulty in urinating or bleeding during intercourse, most people notice only a change in their skin’s topography. Treatment, however, is very important to prevent further spread and to remove the virus from your skin.
HPV Treatment
In New York, Goldenberg Dermatology offers several treatment options to their patients. Treatment for genital warts includes removal by electrocautery or surgical excision. Cryosurgery, the most commonly used treatment option, essentially freezes the wart so it will die and fall from the skin. Our doctors may use a variety of other pharmaceuticals or chemicals to treat and/or remove warts. These may include Imiquimod, Veregen, Podophyllin, and podofilox (Condylox) or Trichloroacetic acid (TCA). They also now provide a new form of treatment called Swift which targets the local immune system to clear the virus. With adequate medical intervention, genital warts can be successfully treated and the patient’s skin will return to its normal appearance and texture.
If the doctor chooses to perform a biopsy, the tissue for HPV will be sent for testing. The laboratory at Goldenberg Dermatology performs in situ hybridization to rule out high-risk HPV types (i.e., those that can lead to cervical, vulvar, penile, and anal cancer). Due to his dual Board Certifications in dermatology and dermatopathology, Dr. Gary Goldenberg is an expert in interpreting HPV test results.
It is important to consider the qualifications and skill of the doctor treating your genital warts, as they will be dealing with a very delicate and sensitive part of your body. Your privacy is of utmost importance at Goldenberg Dermatology. Additionally, genital warts may require several rounds of treatment, so a thorough and consistent doctor is a must. Our doctors are experts at diagnosing and treating genital warts and should be the first choice of patients in the NYC area.
