The diagnosis and treatment of genital human papillomavirus lesions.

A gynecologist in solo practice reviewed three years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV). Infected women were asked to have their sexual partners diagnosed and treated. One hundred nineteen women and 57 men were examined. This article describes common HPV lesion types and examination methods for both sexes. Magnification and use of dilute acetic acid are emphasized. The most common treatments and the pros and cons of various therapeutic methods are discussed. The results of treatments with podophyllin, trichloroacetic acid, electrodesiccation, cryosurgery, CO2 laser, topical 5-fluorouracil and combinations of these also are presented. The sexual partner co-treatment is explained, and the author summarizes his choice of treatment.