Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted diseases in men and women worldwide, especially in developing countries. The prevalence of asymptomatic infection varies from 2 to 44%, depending on the population and region studied. The most common manifestation of HPV in the genital area is anogenital warts or condylomata acuminata. These lesions appear as papules, nodules or soft growths, filiform, pink, sessile or pedunculated. There is usually an exophytic growth similar to cauliflower and is usually asymptomatic.
Patients with genital warts usually report itching, burning, pain or bleeding. Sometimes the patient is not aware of the disease. Most genital warts occur on the penis, scrotum, urethral meatus, and perianal area in males. Whereas in women it occurs more often at the vaginal introitus, vulva, perineum and perianal area. Locations where genital warts are rare include the cervix and vaginal walls, pubic area, groin in both men and women. The goals of treatment are to relieve warts and improve symptoms, if any. The appearance of warts can also cause significant psychosocial distress, and removal can eliminate cosmetic problems. In most patients, treatment results in resolution of warts. If left untreated, GWE may not spontaneously disappear, remain unchanged, or increase in size or number. Because warts may resolve spontaneously within 1 year, an acceptable alternative for some people is to discontinue treatment and wait for spontaneous resolution. Available therapies for GWE can reduce, but may not eradicate, HPV infectivity.
Most Wharts respond within 3 months of therapy. Factors that may influence response to therapy include immunosuppression and medication adherence. In general, warts located on moist surfaces or in intertriginous areas respond best to topical treatment. A new treatment modality should be chosen when no substantial improvement is observed after complete treatment or if severe side effects occur; Treatment response and therapy-related side effects should be evaluated during therapy.
Wharts; Clinical Manifestation; Management; HPV.