Making the Diagnosis
If you notice any abnormal growths, lumps or skin changes accompanied (or
not) with itching, pain, or bleeding, you should make an appointment with your
doctor. A quick physical exam by your doctor is usually all that's needed
to diagnose warts. The physical exam allows your doctor to distinguish a wart
from other skin conditions such as moles, calluses, corns, skin tags, or cancer.
To properly diagnose genital warts, your doctor may need to remove a small tissue
sample (biopsy). There are also some new lab tests currently available
that are useful to diagnose certain strains of HPV and to see whether or not
the infection is likely to become cancerous.