How to Confirm a Diagnosis of Genital Warts?
Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV virus infection. It is typically transmitted through sexual contact and can lead to the growth of proud flesh in the genital area. Diagnosis of genital warts requires an HPV-DNA test, histopathological examination, and an acetic acid white test conducted at a hospital. A positive result in these tests confirms the diagnosis of genital warts.
HPV-DNA Test: Genital secretions can be used to detect the presence of HPV virus DNA in patients. A positive test result indicates infection with the HPV virus;
Histopathological Examination: Skin lesion tissue from the patient is taken and a pathological examination is conducted on the tissue cells. A positive result indicates that the patient is infected with the HPV virus;
Acetic Acid White Test: This involves wrapping or applying a gauze soaked in a 3%-5% acetic acid solution to the suspected skin lesion area and removing it after 3-5 minutes. At this point, white coagulative necrosis or warts may appear at the positive site of the acetic acid white test, which can also serve as a diagnostic basis for genital warts;
Others: Additionally, patients can be diagnosed through immunological tests and histopathological examinations. In immunological tests, TP19 cells can be used for HPV detection. A positive test result indicates that the patient may have genital warts. Histopathological examination is a method to determine whether a patient has genital warts by taking tissue from the affected area and conducting a pathological examination.
Genital warts usually occur on the external genitalia, anus, and other areas, mainly manifesting as single or grouped light red small particles. They have a soft texture with a slightly pointed top. They can gradually enlarge, forming papillary and cauliflower-like fatty growths. Patients are advised to seek timely treatment at a hospital if they experience abnormal symptoms and to undergo definitive diagnosis and treatment under the guidance of a doctor.
