Condyloma Removal

What is the nature of the disease?

Genital warts are wart-like lesions the color of the skin, most often caused by specific types of human papillomavirus (HPV) with low oncogenic risk.

Wart-like lesions in this condition most commonly appear on the external genital organs or near the anus in both women and men.

In men, genital warts are most frequently located on the penis, less commonly found near the urethral opening, on the scrotum, or in the groin area.

In women, genital warts typically localize on the labia majora and minora as well as in the vaginal vestibule. Lesions are also often present on the cervix.

Perianal lesions are observed in both sexes, though they are more common in men.

Genital warts grow and spread very rapidly. They appear in previously damaged areas, exposed to friction or inflammation. In the initial stage, genital warts take the form of small, painless, firm nodules or scaling skin lesions. Later, flat, slightly raised, or cauliflower-like skin changes appear, which may be pink, skin-colored, brown, or red. Their surface can be smooth or keratinized.

What causes genital warts?

The cause of genital warts is HPV types 6 and 11, which are not among the high oncogenic risk viruses responsible for cervical cancer.

Infection most often occurs through sexual contact, regardless of whether it is vaginal, oral, or anal.

Genital warts usually do not cause burning, itching, or pain. For this reason, they often remain unnoticed for a long time.

Lesions typically develop within a few months after contact with the virus, i.e., after sexual contact with an infected partner. The infection can manifest in several ways:

• fully symptomatic with wart formation
• presence of lesions detected during colposcopic and cytological examination
• may be latent and asymptomatic
• in cases of large lesions, bothersome itching, burning, pain during intercourse, bleeding, or discharge from the affected area may occur
• larger warts may also cause discomfort and a feeling of pressure, and even difficulties with urination or defecation

Why is it necessary to treat genital warts?

• They tend to grow rapidly
  Treatment of genital warts is necessary in every case because they tend to grow quickly, which can lead to significant health complications, including bleeding, bacterial superinfections, or malignant transformation.
• HPV viruses can also cause other diseases
  It is also important to remember that HPV viruses cause not only genital warts but also other conditions, including cervical cancer.
• Genital warts are highly contagious
  Treatment must also include the partner.
• Improvement of daily and intimate life comfort

What does the treatment of genital warts involve?

The choice of treatment and removal method depends on the size of the lesions as well as their location. In cases of single, small warts, pharmacological treatment is attempted, involving oral antiviral medications and the application of special ointments directly on the lesions.

The most effective and fastest method of removing genital warts is electrocoagulation. This procedure is performed under local or intravenous anesthesia, which completely eliminates pain. The procedure can be done on an outpatient basis, without the need for hospitalization. Patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure. In cases of very large warts, surgical deep excision is necessary, along with taking a biopsy for histopathological verification. In 90% of cases, HPV viruses cause recurrence of the disease even after successful treatment.