Genital Warts

Clinical Presentation:

Genital warts are the most recognized sign of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV types 6 and 11 are usually associated with genital warts. Other HPV types that affect the anogenital region (i.e., types 16, 18, 31, 33, and 35) are associated with cervical neoplasia.

Genital warts are usually flat, papular, or pedunculated growths on the genital mucosa, and often occur in clusters. They can appear on the penis, vulva, vagina, cervix, groin, or thigh within weeks or months after sexual contact with an infected person.

Diagnostic Testing:

Diagnosis of genital warts is made by visual inspection. Biopsy may confirm the diagnosis, but is generally needed only when the lesions do not respond to appropriate therapy or worsen during therapy.