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Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Genital Warts

Mild
2
Symptoms
1
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Anal Fistula

Moderate
2
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

Genital Warts
Genital warts are sexually transmitted growths caused by certain types of human papillomavirus, or HPV. They may appear as small bumps or clusters around the genital or anal area and are often painless. HPV can be transmitted even when visible warts are absent. The HPV types that commonly cause genital warts are different from the types most strongly associated with some cancers.
Anal Fistula
An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel that develops between the inside of the anus or rectum and the skin near the anus. It often develops after an infection or abscess in an anal gland. Symptoms may include persistent drainage, pain, swelling, irritation, or recurrent abscesses around the anus.

Symptoms

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Breast Lump Vaginal Discharge
Only in Right Disease
Fever Painful Urination

Causes

Shared
Infection
Only in Left Disease
None
Only in Right Disease
Inflammation

Diagnosis

Genital Warts
Genital warts are usually diagnosed by visual examination of the affected skin or mucosal areas. A healthcare professional may examine the size, shape, color, and distribution of the lesions. HPV testing is not generally required to diagnose typical visible genital warts. If a lesion has an unusual appearance, is pigmented, ulcerated, bleeding, or does not respond as expected, additional evaluation or biopsy may be considered.
Anal Fistula
An anal fistula is diagnosed through a medical history and examination of the anus and surrounding skin. The healthcare professional may look for an external opening, drainage, swelling, or tenderness. A digital rectal examination may help identify the tract. Imaging such as MRI or ultrasound may be used when the fistula is complex, recurrent, or difficult to identify during examination.

Prevention

Genital Warts
HPV vaccination can help prevent infection with HPV types that cause genital warts and some cancers. Safer sexual practices, including condom or other barrier use, can reduce but do not completely eliminate HPV transmission because uncovered skin can also transmit the virus. Limiting the number of sexual partners and avoiding sexual contact when visible genital warts are present may also reduce exposure.
Anal Fistula
Preventing anal fistula mainly involves reducing the risk of anal abscesses and treating infections promptly. People with inflammatory bowel disease should follow appropriate medical treatment and monitoring. Persistent pain, swelling, drainage, or recurrent abscesses around the anus should be evaluated by a healthcare professional rather than left untreated.

Risk Factors

Genital Warts
Risk is associated with sexual contact with a person who has HPV, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Having multiple sexual partners and not using barrier protection can increase exposure to HPV. A weakened immune system may make HPV infection more difficult to control. Genital warts can occur even when a person has had only one sexual partner and even when the partner has no visible symptoms.
Anal Fistula
Risk factors include a previous anal abscess, inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn disease, recurrent infections in the anal region, previous anal or rectal surgery, and conditions that interfere with normal healing or immunity. A history of an anal fistula also increases the likelihood of recurrence.

Treatment

Genital Warts
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Anal Fistula
Treatment comparison will be available soon.