Are Skin Warts Precancerous? Why Early Identification and Removal Matter

Skin warts are often considered a harmless nuisance. Typically caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), they can appear anywhere on the body and vary in size, shape, and texture. However, recent studies and clinical observations suggest that some warts may carry a risk of progressing to skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Understanding when a wart might become something more sinister is critical, especially in sun-exposed populations like Melbourne.

Can Warts Become Cancerous?

Warts, particularly those caused by high-risk HPV types, have long been associated with cancers in mucosal areas (like the cervix). However, growing evidence now links certain cutaneous warts to precancerous changes and even invasive skin cancer.

A 2021 study published in JAMA Dermatology (PMID: 34383440) showed that cutaneous HPV DNA was found in a significant proportion of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) cases. This link raises concern that some benign-looking warts, especially in sun-damaged or immunosuppressed skin, may serve as precursors to malignancy.

A more recent 2024 study (PMID: 38666757) reinforced this concern, showing that patients with multiple or persistent warts had a higher incidence of actinic keratosis and nonmelanoma skin cancers. These findings are particularly relevant to Australian populations, given the country’s high UV index and skin cancer rates.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Wart

Most warts are benign and self-limiting. However, if a wart changes in appearance, bleeds, grows rapidly, or fails to respond to standard treatments, it should not be ignored. This is especially true for:

  • Warts on sun-exposed skin (hands, face, scalp)

  • Warts that appear in older adults

  • Warts in people with a history of skin cancer

  • Persistent or recurring warts despite treatment

  • Warts that are painful or ulcerated

These signs may indicate progression toward a precancerous or malignant lesion, such as squamous cell carcinoma in situ or invasive SCC.

The Importance of Skin Checks in Melbourne

Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world, with Victoria being a hotspot due to lifestyle and climate. According to Sinclair (2012), while not all lesions are cancerous, identifying and removing suspicious growths early can save lives. General Practitioners and skin cancer clinics play a pivotal role in this process​201207sinclair.

During a professional skin cancer check, any wart-like growths are examined closely, often using dermatoscopy. If a lesion is atypical, the next step is usually biopsy or removal for histopathological assessment.

Mole, Wart, or Skin Cancer?

It’s easy to mistake one lesion for another. Warts can mimic seborrhoeic keratosis or early squamous cell carcinoma. Conversely, some cancers may look like common warts.

Here are a few tips for recognising suspicious lesions:

Feature Benign Wart Possible Skin Cancer
Growth speed Slow Rapid or recent growth
Appearance Rough, cauliflower-like Flat or scaly, ulcerated
Colour Skin-toned or brown Red, pink, or variable tones
Location Common on hands and feet More frequent on sun-exposed skin
Pain or bleeding Rare Possible, especially with SCC

When in doubt, a skin cancer clinic in Melbourne can assess and, if needed, remove the lesion.

Safe and Simple Wart Removal in Melbourne

Warts removal in Melbourne is widely accessible and can be done safely by trained healthcare professionals. Methods include:

  • Cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen)

  • Electrosurgery

  • Topical treatments

  • Curettage and cautery

  • Laser therapy

Early removal of suspicious lesions is not only cosmetic—it may be life-saving.

Don’t Wait. Book a Skin Cancer Check in Melbourne Today

Whether it’s mole removal, sun spot removal, or warts removal in Melbourne, the message is clear: early identification and treatment are crucial. A professional skin cancer screening in Melbourne can detect precancerous lesions before they become dangerous.

Don’t leave it to chance if you notice a new wart or a change in an old one. Book an appointment at a reputable skin cancer clinic in Melbourne. Prevention and early detection are the best defence against skin cancer.

References

  • Tommasino M. The role of human papillomaviruses in skin cancer. JAMA Dermatol. 2021. PMID: 34383440

  • Griewank KG, et al. Prevalence and clinical implications of human papillomavirus in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. JAMA Dermatol. 2024. PMID: 38666757

  • Better Health Channel. Warts. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/warts

  • Sinclair R. Skin checks. Australian Family Physician, Vol. 41, No. 7, July 2012.