“Genital Warts: A Dangerous and Commonly Underestimated Venereal Disease That Can Lead to Cervical Cancer – CNN Indonesia”

CNN Indonesia

Wednesday, May 24 2023 10:00 WIB

Jakarta, CNNIndonesia —

Illness Genital warts are still a venereal disease that is often underestimated. In fact, untreated genital warts can turn into cancer cervix.

Not a few people let this disease, which is also known as chicken’s comb disease, because they think it can heal or go away on its own.

In fact, according to a venereology dermatologist at the Pramudia Clinic, Amelia Setiawati Soebyanto, genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease that is quite dangerous. In some cases, this disease can even cause cervical cancer in women.

“This disease is dangerous, because if all of us as women have genital warts, the frightening effect is that we can get cervical cancer and even venereal cancer,” said Amelia in a press conference regarding genital warts at the Akmani Hotel, Central Jakarta, Tuesday (23/5).

He explained, genital warts that turn into cancer is a complication of disease that is not treated. Please note, genital warts themselves appear due to infection with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Most cases of genital warts are caused by low-risk types of HPV. But there are also those caused by the high-risk HPV virus, so if left unchecked it will turn malignant and develop into genital cancer or even cervical cancer.

“There are many types of HPV viruses, there are more than 200 types. So usually those that transmit genital warts are HPV types 6 and 11, but there are also HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. All of these types malignant and can develop into cancer cells,” he said.

Amelia said, cervical cancer has indeed been associated with infection with HPV, the same virus that also infects when genital warts occur. Therefore, it is very important for women who have problems with genital warts to carry out continuous treatment and examinations to prevent these cancers from occurring.

“Don’t be embarrassed, if you feel something is wrong, immediately get it checked and treated. Don’t leave it alone because it could be fatal,” he said.

So, what happens to the female genital area when genital warts occur?

Amelia said, genital warts often do not cause typical symptoms and sufferers can recognize them right away. This is because the size of the wart is usually very small or even located too deep in the vagina.

However, that does not mean there are no early signs that can be used as an indication. Even though the symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, if these early signs appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Here are some early signs of genital warts, according to Amelia:

1. A lump appears

The most common thing that will be found is the appearance of a lump that will be felt when touched. These lumps are usually brown or similar in color to your skin.

“Appears in the genital area. It can be in the vagina or anus and its surroundings, depending on the penetration process when transmission occurs,” he said.

2. Prominent shape

The appearance of genital warts is usually quite prominent with a fairly large number. The shape is usually similar to cauliflower.

3. Itching

Although not a severe type of itching, genital warts will also cause itching or discomfort around the genital area.

4. Bleeding

Bleeding can occur, especially during intercourse with a partner. This bleeding usually occurs when the wart is in the area of ​​the vaginal opening. Bleeding occurs due to friction that occurs during sexual intercourse.

5. Bau

The vaginal area or genital organs that are infected with genital warts will also emit an unpleasant odor. The smell is not typical like the smell of female intimate organs, but instead it tends to smell fishy like salted fish.

Treatment

Treatment of genital warts will focus on the infected skin area, in other words, treatment will focus on removing warts on the skin. Usually, after being treated, warts will heal and disappear without even leaving a scar.

However, relapse can occur, especially if you don’t maintain your lifestyle, one of which is still having unprotected free sex.

“Therefore, it is very important to be loyal to only one partner, because genital warts are at greatest risk of transmission through sexual intercourse,” he said.

Here are some treatment methods that can be done:

– Frozen surgery with liquid nitrogen

– Electrosurgery

– Excision surgery

– Laser surgery

– Use ointment or topical medication on the wound

This is an explanation of genital warts. Don’t be underestimated and immediately see a doctor to get the right treatment for genital warts.

(tst/pua)