Other serious STIs may be mistaken for genital warts and will require different treatments. Some conditions that have similar appearances are secondary syphilis, hemorrhoids, skin tags, and, rarely, certain skin cancers. HPV infections that cannot be seen with the naked eye may be seen with a variety of clinical instruments. During a pelvic exam, a colposcope may be used to magnify cervical and vaginal tissue. Sometimes samples of tissue are removed and examined under a microscope.
Early treatment can prevent cancer of the cervix .
Laboratory tests for HPV are being developed. As of this writing, existing tests are costly and imperfect. Although some people have had no recurrences, a permanent cure cannot be guaranteed. Because there is no cure for HPV infections, the purpose of treatment is to control outbreaks of warts. There are several chemicals that can be applied directly to genital warts.