Genital wart: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Genital wart
| image          = [[File:SOA-Condylomata-acuminata-around-anus.jpg|alt=Genital warts around the anus]]
| caption        = Genital warts around the anus
| field          = [[Infectious disease]]
| synonyms        = Condylomata acuminata, anogenital warts
| symptoms        = [[Wart]]s in the [[genital]] area
| complications  = [[Cancer]], [[psychological distress]]
| onset          = 1–6 months after exposure
| duration        = Variable
| causes          = [[Human papillomavirus]] (HPV)
| risks          = [[Sexual activity]], [[immunosuppression]]
| diagnosis      = [[Physical examination]], [[biopsy]]
| differential    = [[Molluscum contagiosum]], [[syphilis]], [[skin tag]]
| prevention      = [[HPV vaccine]], [[condom]] use
| treatment      = [[Topical medication]], [[cryotherapy]], [[surgical removal]]
| frequency      = Common
}}
'''Genital warts''', also known as condylomata acuminata or venereal warts, are symptoms of a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection caused by certain strains of the [[Human papillomavirus|human papillomavirus (HPV)]].
'''Genital warts''', also known as condylomata acuminata or venereal warts, are symptoms of a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection caused by certain strains of the [[Human papillomavirus|human papillomavirus (HPV)]].
[[File:Small condylomata on testicles.jpg|thumb|Small condylomata on testicles]]
[[File:Small condylomata on testicles.jpg|left|thumb|Small condylomata on testicles]]
== Etiology ==
== Etiology ==
Genital warts are primarily caused by the HPV types 6 and 11, which account for about 90% of cases. These types of HPV are considered "low risk" strains, which means they are less likely to cause cervical cancer, but they can cause changes in the cells of the cervix.
Genital warts are primarily caused by the HPV types 6 and 11, which account for about 90% of cases. These types of HPV are considered "low risk" strains, which means they are less likely to cause cervical cancer, but they can cause changes in the cells of the cervix.
== Transmission ==
== Transmission ==
[[File:Foreskin retraction image series.jpg|thumb|Foreskin retraction image series]]
[[File:Foreskin retraction image series.jpg|left|thumb|Foreskin retraction image series]]
HPV is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected individual. The virus can also be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth.
HPV is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected individual. The virus can also be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth.
== Clinical Presentation ==
== Clinical Presentation ==
Genital warts are typically soft and skin-colored, but they can appear darker with a rough or smooth surface. They can present as a single wart or as multiple warts in a cauliflower-like cluster. They commonly occur on the vulva, in or around the vagina or anus, on the cervix, and on the penis, scrotum, groin, or thigh.
Genital warts are typically soft and skin-colored, but they can appear darker with a rough or smooth surface. They can present as a single wart or as multiple warts in a cauliflower-like cluster. They commonly occur on the vulva, in or around the vagina or anus, on the cervix, and on the penis, scrotum, groin, or thigh.
== Complications ==
== Complications ==
While the types of HPV that cause genital warts do not usually cause cancer, an individual can be infected with different strains of HPV at the same time. High-risk strains, such as HPV types 16 and 18, can cause cervical and other genital cancers. Regular screening is essential, especially for women, as HPV can lead to cervical cancer if left untreated.
While the types of HPV that cause genital warts do not usually cause cancer, an individual can be infected with different strains of HPV at the same time. High-risk strains, such as HPV types 16 and 18, can cause cervical and other genital cancers. Regular screening is essential, especially for women, as HPV can lead to cervical cancer if left untreated.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
While there is no cure for HPV, the symptoms can be managed. Several treatments are available for the warts themselves, including topical medications, cryotherapy, laser therapy, and surgery. It's important to note that even after treatment, the virus can remain in the body and warts may reappear.
While there is no cure for HPV, the symptoms can be managed. Several treatments are available for the warts themselves, including topical medications, cryotherapy, laser therapy, and surgery. It's important to note that even after treatment, the virus can remain in the body and warts may reappear.
== Prevention ==
== Prevention ==
The best way to prevent genital warts is through safe sex practices and vaccination. The HPV vaccine is highly effective at preventing the HPV types most commonly linked to genital warts and cervical cancer.
The best way to prevent genital warts is through safe sex practices and vaccination. The HPV vaccine is highly effective at preventing the HPV types most commonly linked to genital warts and cervical cancer.
== References ==
== References ==
* Giuliano AR, Lee JH, Fulp W, et al. (2011). "Incidence and clearance of genital human papillomavirus infection in men (HIM): a cohort study". Lancet. 377 (9769): 932–40. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(10)62342-2.
* Giuliano AR, Lee JH, Fulp W, et al. (2011). "Incidence and clearance of genital human papillomavirus infection in men (HIM): a cohort study". Lancet. 377 (9769): 932–40. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(10)62342-2.
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{{Viral cutaneous conditions}}
{{Viral cutaneous conditions}}
{{Human papillomavirus}}{{STD and STI}}
{{Human papillomavirus}}{{STD and STI}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Genital Wart}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Genital Wart}}
[[Category:Infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission]]
[[Category:Infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission]]

Latest revision as of 02:05, 7 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Genital wart
Genital warts around the anus
Synonyms Condylomata acuminata, anogenital warts
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Warts in the genital area
Complications Cancer, psychological distress
Onset 1–6 months after exposure
Duration Variable
Types N/A
Causes Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Risks Sexual activity, immunosuppression
Diagnosis Physical examination, biopsy
Differential diagnosis Molluscum contagiosum, syphilis, skin tag
Prevention HPV vaccine, condom use
Treatment Topical medication, cryotherapy, surgical removal
Medication N/A
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


Genital warts, also known as condylomata acuminata or venereal warts, are symptoms of a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Small condylomata on testicles

Etiology[edit]

Genital warts are primarily caused by the HPV types 6 and 11, which account for about 90% of cases. These types of HPV are considered "low risk" strains, which means they are less likely to cause cervical cancer, but they can cause changes in the cells of the cervix.

Transmission[edit]

Foreskin retraction image series

HPV is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected individual. The virus can also be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

Genital warts are typically soft and skin-colored, but they can appear darker with a rough or smooth surface. They can present as a single wart or as multiple warts in a cauliflower-like cluster. They commonly occur on the vulva, in or around the vagina or anus, on the cervix, and on the penis, scrotum, groin, or thigh.

Complications[edit]

While the types of HPV that cause genital warts do not usually cause cancer, an individual can be infected with different strains of HPV at the same time. High-risk strains, such as HPV types 16 and 18, can cause cervical and other genital cancers. Regular screening is essential, especially for women, as HPV can lead to cervical cancer if left untreated.

Treatment[edit]

While there is no cure for HPV, the symptoms can be managed. Several treatments are available for the warts themselves, including topical medications, cryotherapy, laser therapy, and surgery. It's important to note that even after treatment, the virus can remain in the body and warts may reappear.

Prevention[edit]

The best way to prevent genital warts is through safe sex practices and vaccination. The HPV vaccine is highly effective at preventing the HPV types most commonly linked to genital warts and cervical cancer.

References[edit]

  • Giuliano AR, Lee JH, Fulp W, et al. (2011). "Incidence and clearance of genital human papillomavirus infection in men (HIM): a cohort study". Lancet. 377 (9769): 932–40. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(10)62342-2.
  • CDC (2021). "Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • Saslow D, Solomon D, Lawson HW, et al. (2012). "American Cancer Society, American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, and American Society for Clinical Pathology screening guidelines for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer". American Journal of Clinical Pathology. 137 (4): 516–42. doi:10.1309/AJCPTGD94EVRSJCG.
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