Venereal Warts - Brief Overview
The human papilloma virus (HPV) is responsible for
causing venereal warts in the anus and genital area.
More than 80 different specific types of HPV DNA
have been identified. 45 of these can affect
genital skin. The incidence of HPV infection has
risen over the past three decades. An estimated 30
to 50% of sexually active adults in the United
States are infected with HPV, making it the most
common viral STD. However, only one to two percent
of the same population has clinically apparent
warts. The treatment for HPV can be difficult.
Destructive means such as liquid nitrogen is most
popular. Other new therapies, including Aldara™
Cream,
which is an immunomodulator, or Condylox™ gel, have
been useful in the treatment of resistant lesions.
In areas that are extremely resistant to treatment,
Dr. Harvey and Dr. Hardy may sometimes ablate the warts with a
carbon dioxide laser. As venereal warts can cause
one to develop carcinoma of the cervix or penis, it
is important that Dr. Harvey and Dr. Hardy examine infected
patients and their partners for non healing lesions.
If one has both a non healing lesion on the genitals
and a personal history of venereal warts, then it
is important that this non healing lesion be biopsied to rule out malignancy.
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