Sexual Health

Anogenital Warts

Anogenital warts are usually benign HPV-related epithelial lesions, most often associated with low-risk types 6 and 11; diagnose them clinically, biopsy atypical or treatment-resistant lesions, and choose observation, topical treatment or ablation by site, morphology, pregnancy status and patient preference.

Definition

Anogenital warts, or condylomata acuminata, are benign proliferative lesions of anogenital skin or mucosa associated predominantly with low-risk HPV types 6 and 11. They are diagnosed clinically, while atypical, uncertain or treatment-resistant lesions require biopsy or specialist assessment to exclude intraepithelial neoplasia or cancer.

First principles

Typical warts are usually caused by low-risk HPV

Around 90% of anogenital warts are associated with HPV types 6 or 11. They are transmitted mainly by skin-to-skin sexual contact, including contact when visible warts are absent, and may appear after a variable interval. The presence of a wart does not identify when infection occurred or which partner transmitted it.

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