| Genital wart(s) |
| Classification and external resources |
Severe case of genital warts around the anus |
| ICD-10 |
A63.0 |
| ICD-9 |
078.11 |
| DiseasesDB |
29120 |
| MedlinePlus |
000886 |
| eMedicine |
derm/454 med/1037 |
| MeSH |
C02.256.650.810.217 |
Genital warts (or Condylomata acuminata, venereal warts, anal warts and anogenital warts) are symptoms of a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease caused by some sub-types of human papillomavirus (HPV). It is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact during oral, genital, or anal sex with an infected partner. Warts are the most easily recognized symptom of genital HPV infection, and types 6 and 11 are responsible for 90% of genital warts cases.[1]
Although 90% of those who contract HPV will not develop genital warts, those infected can still transmit the virus.[2] Some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer and anal cancers, but these are not the same types of HPV that cause genital warts.[2] However, it is possible to be infected with different varieties of HPV, such as a low-risk HPV that causes warts and a high-risk HPV that may cause cancer, either concurrently or at different times.[3] HPV is so common that more than half of all sexually active people will get it at some point in their lives.[2]
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Contents
- 1 Signs and symptoms
- 2 Diagnosis
- 3 Prevention
- 4 Management
- 5 Epidemiology
- 6 References
- 7 External links
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Signs and symptoms
Genital warts often occur in clusters and can be very tiny or can spread into large masses in the genital or penis area. In other cases they look like small stalks. In women they occur on the outside and inside of the vagina, on the opening (cervix) to the womb (uterus), or around (or inside) the anus. They are approximately as prevalent in men but the symptoms may be less obvious. When present, they usually are seen on the tip of the penis. They also may be found on the shaft of the penis, on the scrotum, or around (or inside) the anus. Rarely, genital warts also can develop in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral sex with an infected person.[4]
The viral particles are able to penetrate the skin and mucosal surfaces through microscopic abrasions in the genital area, which occur during sexual activity. Although 90% of HPV infections are cleared by the body within two years of infection, it is possible for infected cells to undergo a latency (quiet) period, with the first occurrence or a reccurrence of symptoms happening months or years later.[3]
Having sex with a partner whose HPV infection is latent and demonstrates no outward symptoms still leaves one vulnerable to becoming infected. If an individual has unprotected sex with an infected partner, there is a 70% chance that he or she will also become infected. The immune system eventually clears the virus through interleukins, which recruit interferons, which slow viral replication.[5]
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Severe case of genital warts on a female
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Severe case of genital warts on a male
Diagnosis
Micrograph of a genital wart with the characteristic changes (parakeratosis, koilocytes, papillomatosis). H&E stain.
Genital warts, histopathologically, characteristically rise above the skin surface due to enlargement of the dermal papillae, have parakeratosis and the characteristic nuclear changes typical of HPV infections (nuclear enlargement with perinuclear clearing).
DNA tests are available for diagnosis of high-risk HPV infections. Because genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV types, DNA tests cannot be used for diagnosis of genital warts or other low-risk HPV infections.[3]
Prevention
See also: HPV vaccine
Gardasil (sold by Merck & Co.) is a vaccine that protects against human papillomavirus types 16, 18, 6, and 11. Types 6 and 11 cause genital warts, while 16 and 18 cause cervical cancer. The vaccine is preventive, not therapeutic, and must be given before exposure to the virus type to be effective, ideally before the beginning of sexual activity. The vaccine is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in both males and females as early as 9 years of age.[6]
In the UK, Gardasil replaced Cervarix in September 2012[7] for reasons unrelated to safety.[8] Cervarix had been used routinely in young females from its introduction in 2008, but was only effective against HPV types 16 and 18, neither of which typically causes warts.
Management
There is no cure for HPV, but there are methods to treat visible warts, which could reduce infectivity, although there are no trials studying the effectiveness of removing visible warts in reducing transmission.[9] Every year, Americans spend $200 million on the treatment of genital warts.[10] Genital warts may disappear without treatment, but sometimes eventually develop a fleshy, small raised growth. There is no way to predict whether they will grow or disappear. Warts can sometimes be identified because they show up as white when acetic acid is applied, but this method is not recommended on the vulva because microtrauma and inflammation can also show up as acetowhite.[5] Magnifying glasses or colposcope may also be used to aid in identifying small warts.[5]
Depending on the sizes and locations of warts (as well as other factors), a doctor will offer one of several ways to treat them. Podofilox is the first-line treatment due to its low cost.[11] Almost all treatments can potentially cause depigmentation or scarring.[9]
- A 0.15% – 0.5% podophyllotoxin (also called podofilox) solution in a gel or cream. Marketed as Condylox (0.5%), Wartec (0.15%) and Warticon (0.15%),[12] it can be applied by the patient to the affected area and is not washed off. It is the purified and standardized active ingredient of the podophyllin (see below). Podofilox is safer and more effective than podophyllin.[12] Skin erosion and pain are more commonly reported than with imiquimod and sinecatechins.[13] Its use is cycled (2 times per day for 3 days then 4–7 days off); one review states that it should only be used for four cycles.[14]
- Imiquimod (Aldara) is a topical immune response cream, applied to the affected area. It causes less local irritation than podofilox but may cause fungal infections (11% in package insert) and flu-like symptoms (less than 5% disclosed in package insert).[13]
- Sinecatechins (marketed as Veregen and Polyphenon E) is an ointment of catechins (55% epigallocatechin gallate[5]) extracted from green tea and other components. Mode of action is undetermined.[15] It appears to have higher clearance rates than podophyllotoxin and imiquimod and causes less local irritation, but clearance takes longer than with imiquimod.[13]
- Liquid nitrogen cryosurgery is safe for pregnancy. It kills warts 71–79% of the time, but recurrence is 38% to 73% 6 months after treatment.[5] Local infections have been reported.[5]
- Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is less effective than cryosurgery,[14] and is not recommended for use in the vagina, cervix, or urinary meatus.[5]
- Surgical excision is best for large warts, and has a greater risk of scarring.[9]
- Laser ablation does not seem to be any more effective than other physician-applied methods,[16] but is often used as a last resort and is extremely expensive.[5]
- A 20% podophyllin anti-mitotic solution, applied to the affected area and later washed off. However, this crude herbal extract is not recommended for use on vagina, urethra, perianal area, or cervix,[5] and must be applied by a physician.[12] Reported reactions include nausea, vomiting, fever, confusion, coma, renal failure, ileus, and leukopenia; death has been reported with extensive topical application, or application on mucous membranes.[5]
- Interferon can be used; it is effective, but it is also expensive and its effect is inconsistent.[14]
- Electrocauterization can be used; it is an older procedure but recovery time is generally longer. In severe cases of genital warts, treatment may require general or spinal anesthesia. This is a surgical procedure. More effective than cryosurgery and recurrence is at a much lower rate.
- Oral Isotretinoin is a therapy that has proven effective in experimental use, but is rarely used due to potentially severe side effects. In a small-scale study, low dose oral isotretinoin showed considerable efficacy and may represent an alternative systemic form of therapy for Genital Warts. Yet, albeit this indicative evidence not many studies have been conducted to further confirm the findings. In most countries this therapy is currently unapproved and only used as an alternative therapy if other therapies failed.[17]
- Discontinued
- A 5% 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cream was used, but it is no longer considered an acceptable treatment due to the side-effects.[5]
Podophyllin, podofilox and Isotretinoin should not be used during pregnancy, as they could cause birth defects in the fetus.
Epidemiology
Genital HPV infections have an estimated prevalence in the US of 10–20% and clinical manifestations in 1% of the sexually active adult population.[14] US incidence of HPV infection has increased between 1975 and 2006.[14] About 80% of those infected are between the ages of 17–33.[14] Although treatments can remove the warts, they do not remove the HPV, so warts can recur after treatment (about 50–73% of the time[18]). Warts can also spontaneously regress (with or without treatment).[14]
Traditional theories postulated that the virus remained in the body for a lifetime. However, studies using sensitive DNA techniques have shown that through immunological response the virus can either be cleared or suppressed to levels below what polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests can measure. One study testing genital skin for subclinical HPV using PCR found a prevalence of 10%.[14]
References
- ^ US National Cancer Institute. "HPV and Cancer". http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/HPV. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
- ^ a b c US Centers for Disease Control. "Genital HPV Infection - Fact Sheet". http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
- ^ a b c Juckett, G; Hartman-Adams, H (2010 Nov 15). "Human papillomavirus: clinical manifestations and prevention.". American family physician 82 (10): 1209–13. PMID 21121531.
- ^ Genkins, Gill. "Genital warts". BBC. http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/sexual_health/stis_warts.shtml. Retrieved 17 November 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Mayeaux EJ, Dunton C (July 2008). "Modern management of external genital warts". J Low Genit Tract Dis 12 (3): 185–192. doi:10.1097/LGT.0b013e31815dd4b4. PMID 18596459.
- ^ United States Food and Drug Administration. "Gardasil". Approved Products. http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM094042. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
- ^ UK Department of Health. "Your guide to the HPV vaccination from September 2012". http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_133345. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
- ^ UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. "Human papillomavirus vaccine Cervarix: safety review shows balance of risks and benefits remains clearly positive". http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/DrugSafetyUpdate/CON207191. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
- ^ a b c Kodner CM, Nasraty S (December 2004). "Management of genital warts". Am Fam Physician 70 (12): 2335–2342. PMID 15617297. http://www.aafp.org/afp/20041215/2335.html.
- ^ "STI Awareness: Genital Warts". Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona. 2012-04-18. http://blog.advocatesaz.org/2012/04/18/sti-awareness-genital-warts/. Retrieved 2012-04-20.
- ^ Fox PA, Tung MY (2005). "Human papillomavirus: burden of illness and treatment cost considerations". Am J Clin Dermatol 6 (6): 365–381. PMID 16343025.
- ^ a b c von Krogh G, Longstaff E (December 2001). "Podophyllin office therapy against condyloma should be abandoned". Sex Transm Infect 77 (6): 409–412. doi:10.1136/sti.77.6.409. PMC 1744412. PMID 11714936. http://sti.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/77/6/409.
- ^ a b c Meltzer SM, Monk BJ, Tewari KS (March 2009). "Green tea catechins for treatment of external genital warts". Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 200 (3): 233.e1–7. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2008.07.064. PMID 19019336.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Scheinfeld N, Lehman DS (2006). "An evidence-based review of medical and surgical treatments of genital warts". Dermatol. Online J. 12 (3): 5. PMID 16638419. http://dermatology.cdlib.org/123/reviews/warts/scheinfeld.html.
- ^ "Veregen label information" (PDF). http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/021902s002lbl.pdf. Retrieved 2013-01-01.
- ^ O'Mahony C (2005). "Genital warts: current and future management options". Am J Clin Dermatol 6 (4): 239–243. PMID 16060711.
- ^ Virendra N. Sehgal MD, Govind Srivastava MD, Kabir Sardana MD (May 2006). "Isotretinoin – unapproved indications/uses and dosage: a physician's reference". International Journal of Dermatology 45 (6): 772–777. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4632.2006.02830.x. PMID 16796650.
- ^ CDC. (2004). REPORT TO CONGRESS: Prevention of Genital Human Papillomavirus Infection.
External links
- Genital warts at the Open Directory Project
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Infectious skin disease: Viral cutaneous conditions, including viral exanthema (B00–B09, 050–059)
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DNA virus
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Herpesviridae
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Alpha
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HSV (Herpes simplex, Herpetic whitlow, Herpes gladiatorum, Herpetic keratoconjunctivitis, Herpetic sycosis, Neonatal herpes simplex, Herpes genitalis, Herpes labialis, Eczema herpeticum, Herpetiform esophagitis) · Herpes B virus (B virus infection)
VZV (Chickenpox, Herpes zoster, Herpes zoster oticus, Ophthalmic zoster, Disseminated herpes zoster, Zoster-associated pain, Inflammatory skin lesions following zoster infection, Modified varicella-like syndrome)
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Beta
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Human herpesvirus 6/Roseolovirus (Exanthema subitum, Roseola vaccinia)
Cytomegalic inclusion disease
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Gamma
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KSHV (Kaposi's sarcoma)
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Poxviridae
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Ortho
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Variola (Smallpox, Alastrim) · MoxV (Monkeypox) · CV (Cowpox) · VV (Vaccinia, Generalized vaccinia, Eczema vaccinatum, Progressive vaccinia)
Buffalopox
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Para
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Farmyard pox: Milker's nodule · Bovine papular stomatitis · Pseudocowpox · Orf
Sealpox
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Other
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Yatapoxvirus: Tanapox · Yaba monkey tumor virus
MCV (Molluscum contagiosum)
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Papillomaviridae
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HPV (Wart/Plantar wart, Heck's disease, Genital wart (giant), Laryngeal papillomatosis, Butcher's wart, Bowenoid papulosis, Epidermodysplasia verruciformis, Verruca plana, Pigmented wart, Verrucae palmares et plantares )
BPV (Equine sarcoid)
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Parvoviridae
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Parvovirus B19 (Erythema infectiosum, Reticulocytopenia, Papular purpuric gloves and socks syndrome)
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Polyomaviridae
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Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (Merkel Cell carcinoma)
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RNA virus
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Paramyxoviridae
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MeV (Measles)
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Togaviridae
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Rubella virus (Rubella, Congenital rubella syndrome) · Alphavirus infection · Chikungunya fever
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Picornaviridae
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CAV (Hand, foot and mouth disease, Herpangina) · FMDV (Foot-and-mouth disease) · Boston exanthem disease
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| Ungrouped |
unknown/multiple: Asymmetric periflexural exanthem of childhood · Post-vaccination follicular eruption · Lipschütz ulcer · Eruptive pseudoangiomatosis · Viral-associated trichodysplasia · Gianotti–Crosti syndrome
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cutn/syst (hppv/hiva, infl/zost/zoon)/epon
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drug (dnaa, rnaa, rtva, vacc)
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noco (i/b/d/q/u/r/p/m/k/v/f)/cong/tumr (n/e/d), sysi/epon
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proc, drug (D2/3/4/5/8/11)
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Papillomavirus – Human papillomavirus
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Related
diseases |
Cervical cancer ·
Factor in other cancers (Anal, Vaginal, Vulvar, Penile, Head and neck cancer (HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer)) ·
Warts (genital, plantar, flat, Laryngeal papillomatosis), Epidermodysplasia verruciformis, Focal epithelial hyperplasia, Papilloma
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| Vaccine |
HPV vaccine (Cervarix, Gardasil)
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| Screening |
Pap test (stain) - Cytopathology/Cytotechnology results Bethesda system
Experimental techniques (Speculoscopy, Cervicography)
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| Colposcopy |
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| Biopsy histology |
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) · Koilocyte · Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) · Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)
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| Treatment |
Cervical conization · Loop electrical excision procedure (LEEP)
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| History |
Georgios Papanikolaou · Harald zur Hausen
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cutn/syst (hppv/hiva, infl/zost/zoon)/epon
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drug (dnaa, rnaa, rtva, vacc)
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