Human papillomaviruses, also known as HPV, are a group of viruses that commonly cause warts. The virus is commonly transmitted by sexual contact. In men, HPV can cause genital warts, common warts, plantar warts, flat warts and oral and pharyngeal growths. A few strains of the virus are implicated in the development of cancer of the anus and penis in a small number of infected people. There are several treatment options for the different presentations of HPV infection in men.
Topical Applications
These are locally applied creams or solutions that are used to remove the warty growths seen in HPV infection. Imiquimod cream is a prescription cream that serves to boost local immune response which is thought to play a role in its mode of action. Podofilox is another prescription cream that can be used to treat genital warts in men by destroying the warty tissue.
Trichloroacetic acid and podophyllin are examples of chemical cautery, the use of chemicals to burn off the warty tissue. They are best applied in the clinic by a physician.
Plantar warts and flat warts can be treated at home with salicylic acid which, according to MayoClinic.com, gradually wears down the warts, layer by layer.
The NIAID adds the use of 5-flourouracil cream, an anti-viral cream, as an effective treatment for genital warts.
Cryotherapy
According to the NIAID, cryotherapy is usually reserved for small warts or lesions. It involves the freezing off of lesions through the application of liquid nitrogen.
Electrocautery
Electocautery involves the use of an electric current to generate heat and burn away the lesions or warts. It is also reserved for small lesions. Men with HPV will require general anesthesia for this procedure.
Surgery
Standard surgical excision with a blade is reserved for extensive lesions in men, especially in the genital area. The lesions in the pharynx can also be removed with laser surgery, using high powered light rays directed by an endoscope.
Alpha Interferon
According to the NIAID, this treatment option is reserved for recurrent cases of genital warts in men. It involves the direct injection of the antiviral, alpha interferon, into the lesions.
