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Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection caused by
a virus, the human papilloma virus (hpv).
Genital warts can be transmitted through vaginal, oral and anal sex.
Rarely, genital warts can be spread by indirect contact, for example,
using a towel after someone who is infected.
Around half (50%) of people who have genital warts are unaware that
they do, often because the site of infection is deep within the vagina,
urethra or rectum and is self contained.
Some strains of the virus which causes genital warts are associated
with certain types of cancer.
Although incurable, there are various treatment and management options
available such as self-administered solutions, freezing, surgery or
laser removal.
Genital warts are caused by a group of viruses called human papilloma
virus (HPV).
Of this group of more than 70 types of human papilloma virus (hpv);
with virus types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31 and 35 being sexually transmitted.
The strains most commonly involved in sexually transmitted infection
are virus types 6 and 11.
Types 16, 18, 31, 33 and 35 are significantly associated with cervical
and rectal cancer.
Of the small percentage of people who go on to develop cancer, progression
can take anywhere between 5 and 30 years.
Genital warts do not appear until several weeks after infection, typically
between 1 - 4 months before they become visible although it can take
up to a year before any warts develop.
Generally painless unless irritated by contact, genital warts can be
soft, flat and irregularly shaped or they may develop into cauliflower-shaped
clusters with an unsightly cosmetic appearance.
Warts may variable in color: red, pink, off-white or gray.
Some genital warts are almost undetectable, particularly if they are
very flat and very slow growing.
Genital warts can grow and develop on, or in, several areas of the body:
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on the penis
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inside the penis in the urethra
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inside the vagina
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on the lips of the vulva
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on or around the anus
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inside the rectum
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on the scrotum
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in the mouth
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in the throat
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on the tongue
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Genital warts are most effectively treated when they are small and few
in number.
Topical solutions the patient may apply themselves include podofilox
0.5% solution, podophyllum and trichloroacetic acid 80 - 90%.
Other forms of treatment for genital warts, depending on the location
of the warts and under local anesthetic are:
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cryotherapy (freezing with liquid
nitrogen)
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electrocautery (burning)
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laser removal (burning)
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surgical excision (surgery)
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An infection of genital warts may have significant future implications
for some individuals.
In particular, anyone who has experienced vaginal or anal genital wart
infection should be aware of the possible future risk of cancerous growth
development.
This means regular Pap-smear testing for women who have developed
either a vaginal or anal infection, and also men who have acquired an
anal wart infection.
Some strains of the human papilloma virus (types 16, 18, 31, 33 and
35) are significantly associated with the development of cervical and
rectal cancers.
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Women who are pregnant may pass on the virus
to their baby.
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Women who are pregnant should not use podofilox
or podophyllum.
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Women who have, or have had, genital warts
should seek regular Pap-smear testing.
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Men (or women) who have, or have had, anal
warts, should seek regular Pap-smear testing.
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Some strains of the virus which causes genital
warts are significantly associated with certain forms of cancer.
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A sudden, strong eruption of genital warts
may indicate a compromised immune system. Anyone affected should consult
their physician immediately.
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Genital warts, regardless of where they
erupt, may ulcerate or become infected.
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Infection of certain areas such as the urethra,
anus, rectum or the mouth and throat areas may cause extreme irritation
and discomfort.
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