Overview
Condylomas are the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD). They are small lesions or "warts" which occur in the genital, oral and anal regions in sexually active individuals. They are caused by a virus called the human papilloma virus (HPV). They are much more common than gonorrhea, chlamydia or syphilis.
Evaluation
In men they may appear as small raised or flat regions on the penis, scrotum, groin or anal region. In women they may also appear on the visible external genital regions or on the cervix. The diagnosis may be obvious when a prominent "wart" is present, or the lesions may be small and obscured. A vinegar solution of acetic acid can be placed on the genitals and inspected with a magnifying lens to see if characteristic white lesions are seen.It is very important to detect HPV in both men and women. In women, HPV has been associated with cancer of the cervix. The gynecologist must inspect and biopsy suspicious areas of the cervix to make the diagnosis. After the cervix has been found to be infected or show signs of dysplasia (a possible premalignant condition), then the male partner should be evaluated because of the "ping-pong" phenomenon involved with a sexually transmitted virus. A condom is recommended to prevent transmission of the virus.