Can Genital Warts Be Diagnosed During Colposcopy Exam?

Posted on Sun, 15 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 15 Mar 2015 Answered on

Thu, 2 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Can my gynecologist determine if i have genital warts during a recent coloscopy exam?

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes, genital warts should be seen

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
If you have genital warts then they would be seen when you get a pelvic exam and colposcopy. Genital warts are most often on the outside genital area but sometimes can be inside the vagina. Genital warts are caused by certain strains of human pappiloma virus (HPV). Other strains of HPV put women at risk for cervical cancer but these strains do not cause warts. During a colposcopy most of the time they check you for HPV as well as the external warts.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (13 hours later)

Are external warts considered genital warts as well?

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
yes

Detailed Answer:
Yes, external warts in the genital area are usually a type of HPV infection and are called genital warts.
Regards,
Dr Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (4 minutes later)

Is it possible to have abnormal growths on the cervix and it's not genital warts?

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes, that is possible

Detailed Answer:
Yes, there are many things that can grow on the cervix that are not warts. There can be cervical polyps, nabothian cysts or cancers that can also grow on the cervix.
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta