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Biopsy of Genital Warts (Human Papillomavirus)

British Columbia Specific Information

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact and can lead to genital warts and cancers, including those of the anus, cervix, mouth and throat, penis, vagina and vulva.

HPV vaccine

The HPV vaccines protect against certain types of HPV and is a cancer-preventing vaccine. It benefit individuals of all sexes, genders, sexual orientation and levels of sexual activity. In B.C., the HPV vaccine is part of the recommended immunization schedule for all youth. To receive the free, publicly funded vaccine:

  • You must get your first dose before age 19
  • You must complete the series before age 26

For more information about the HPV vaccine, visit:

To learn more about HPV infection, read HealthLinkBC File #101a Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and genital warts.

For more information on STIs, sexual health information, testing in your area and other resources, visit Sexually Transmitted Infections.

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 cannot be easily identified with a physical examination or during a gynecology examination with a lighted magnifying instrument (colposcopy). A microscopic examination on the biopsied tissue can help your doctor find out whether 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 anesthetic). This is more likely to be used for biopsies of the outer genital area on both men and women: this includes the vulva, scrotum, 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.

Credits

Current as of: August 2, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kevin C. Kiley MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology