Genital warts

Alternative names:

condyloma; condylomata acuminata; human papilloma virus (HPV); penile warts; venereal wart

Definition:

A viral skin disease characterized by a soft wart-like growth on the genitals. In adults, the disorder is considered a sexually-transmitted disease, but in children the virus appears to be transmitted with or without sexual contact.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Genital warts are caused by the Human papilloma virus (HPV). Papilloma viruses cause small growths (warts) on the skin and mucous membranes. Infection of the genital and anal regions with HPV can cause warts (anogenital condyloma) on the penis, vulva, urethra, vagina, cervix, and around the anus (perianal).

More than fifty different types of HPV have been classified. These types are numbered. Several types, including 6 and 11, are associated with raised, rough, easily visible genital warts (especially in women). Other types are associated with flat warts. More importantly, several types are associated with pre-malignant and malignant changes in the cervix (abnormal Pap smears). These include types 16, 18, 31, 39, 45, 51, and 52. Research also shows that the presence of both HPV and herpes virus together is a good predictor of cervical cancer.

Lesions on the external genitalia are easily recognized. On the penis, genital warts tend to be drier and more limited than on the female genitalia or around the anus of either sex. They grow best in the moist genital area. They are raised, rough, flesh-colored "warty" appearing tumors that may occur singly or in clusters. Left untreated, warts around the anus and vulva may rapidly enlarge, taking on a "cauliflower-like" appearance. Keeping the infected area dry may be a problem because the warts are usually damp.

In women, HPV can invade the vagina and cervix. These warts are flat and not easily visible without special procedures. Because HPV can lead to premalignant changes in the cervix (cervical dysplasia), it is important that this condition be diagnosed and treated. Regular Pap smears are important for detecting HPV.

Infection with HPV is very common, although the majority of people have no symptoms (asymptomatic) In several studies done on college women, nearly half were positive for HPV; although only 1 to 2% had visible warts and less than 10% had ever had any visible genital warts. The incidence of genital warts appears to be increasing rapidly, although this may be a result of increased diagnostic ability and awareness.

Risk factors for genital warts include multiple sexual partners, unknown partners, lack of condom use, and the early onset of sexual activity. In children, although the virus can be transmitted non-sexually, the presence of condylomata acuminata should arouse suspicion of sexual abuse.