Condylomas are a clinical term that refers to bulges that develop on the skin, or the mucous, which are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
Categories
Out of the 189 recognized subtypes of papilloma virus (PV), about 40 are sexually transmitted, while some of them cause condylomas.
Condylomas are infections of the mucous of the penis, annus, and vagina, which are venereal diseases, and they are called Condylomas.
Condyloma acuminata (strains 6 and 11 of the virus) are benign lesions that do not cause cancer, as opposed to flat ones (strains 16, 18, 31, 33, and 45 of the virus), which are considered to be subclinical lesions of the reproductive system and the anus, and if not treated promptly, they can cause cancer.
Only condyloma acuminata are visible to the naked eye, while flat condylomas can only be seen with special magnifying glasses, strong light, and dermatological and dermoscopic instruments and diagnostic tests.
What we should know
- In addition to sexual contact, condylomas are transmitted, in several cases, by touching/rubbing infected fingers and objects.
- It is required to use a condom, although we should know that, on its own, it cannot protect us 100% from the transmission of the virus, while condyloma acuminata can also exist in other places of the perigenital or perianal areas.
- Every year, females should undergo a Pap test, which is a test that allows the detection of existing damage and lesions, while, through a special HPV test, and through vaginoscopy by conducting biopsy, infection is demonstrated at an early stage.
- It is also important that the patient, and his or her partner, examine herself or himself, for possible transmission of the virus, which applies to most cases, even in case of subclinical lesions, as well as to prevent any minor injuries in the genital area.
Treatments
- Topical drugs (thrichloroacetic acid, podophyllin resin, podophyllotoxin, 5-fluorouracil)
- Cryosurgical therapy (cryopexy)
- Immunomodulators (Interferon-a, Imiquimod, sinecatechins)
- Surgical methods (CO2 Laser, diathermopexy, surgical excision)
