Genital injuries
Cauterization of HPV lesions
The first step is to confirm the diagnosis of each injury.
Assessment and indication
Every decision starts with understanding the case.
HPV can cause warts in the genital region. Noticing a lesion on the penis or scrotum usually causes concern, but the first step is to examine it: not every skin change in this region is an HPV wart.
During the consultation, I evaluate the appearance, number and location of the lesions. When one of them has an atypical appearance, grows in an unusual way or does not respond to treatment, it may be necessary to remove a fragment for analysis before defining the course of action.
01
When do I recommend cauterization?
Cauterization, or electrocoagulation, is one of the ways to remove visible warts. It can be useful when there are several lesions, when they occupy an area that makes treatment with topical medications difficult or when we seek to remove them in a procedure.
The choice is not automatic. Depending on the size, quantity and location of the warts, I also discuss other options, including treatments applied to the lesion itself.
02
What is the procedure like
After adequate anesthesia, I treat the identified injuries. The extent of the procedure depends on how many warts there are and where they are located. If there are injuries in areas that require specific evaluation, such as inside the urethra or anal region, the planning may be different.
After cauterization, the skin needs time to heal. I advise how to perform local hygiene, what discomforts are to be expected and when to resume sexual activity.
03
Can warts come back?
Yes. The procedure removes visible lesions, but does not guarantee that HPV has been eliminated from the body. New warts may appear, especially in the first few months, and should be reevaluated.
I take advantage of the consultation to talk about prevention, vaccination when indicated and care for partners. This conversation is done discreetly, without assuming when the infection occurred or who it came from.
Consultation and planning
The indication is defined for each patient.
During the consultation, I evaluate the diagnosis, explain the alternatives and organize treatment and follow-up according to the needs of the case.