condyloma (acuminata)

Definition

Or: genital warts / papovavirus warts / venereal warts , one of the most common sexually transmitted disease caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is spread by direct contact with the warts of an infected area during unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex; it can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during birth. SYMPTOMS: Symptoms are likely to appear 1 to 9 months after exposure. Flat, smooth, bumpy, or round warts in the mouth, around the genitals or the anus (internal or external) which may be invisible to the naked eye. If left untreated, they can spread and develop a cauliflower-like appearance. Although 15% of those infected show no signs, they may have flat lesions or warts inside the urethra, vagina, or rectum, and may still be infectious to others. TREATMENT: There is treatment for the genital warts but no cure for the virus. Warts can be removed by laser, freezing (cryosurgery; the warts are frozen off with liquid nitrogen), medicated acid solutions (Podophyllin, Trichloracetis Acid (TCA), Condyline), or surgery.