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

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

Next Section:

Why It Is Done

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.