How many years does it take for a flat wart to become cancerous?
Disease description:
My younger brother is 23 years old this year. Recently, while taking a bath, he noticed that many papules had developed on his body. After visiting the hospital for examination, the diagnosis was flat warts. I would like to know how many years it might take for flat warts to undergo malignant transformation.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Flat warts generally do not undergo malignant transformation, and the possibility of cancerous changes is extremely low.
Flat warts are flat, benign skin growths caused by infection of the skin or mucous membranes with human papillomavirus (HPV). Although HPV infection carries a potential risk of malignancy, the likelihood of cancerous transformation specifically in flat warts is exceedingly rare.
The natural course of flat warts typically lasts around 2–3 years, with most cases resolving spontaneously within this period without leaving any scars. Even those flat warts that do not resolve on their own can be effectively treated with interventions such as medication, cryotherapy, or laser therapy, achieving complete resolution.
Therefore, patients need not be overly concerned about the risk of malignant transformation in flat warts. However, it is important to seek active treatment and follow medical advice regarding care and follow-up to ensure effective management of the condition.
