Condylomata acuminata (genital warts). An epidemiologic view.

The understanding of condylomata acuminata (genital warts) has been enhanced by the recent development of diagnostic methods. Forty-two types of human papillomavirus were identified up to 1985, and at least sixteen types were involved in genital warts. The incidence of genital warts is around 0.1% in the general population and more than 0.5% in young persons. The incidence is known to be increasing rapidly and exceeding the incidence of genital herpes. Females are more prone to be affected. The epidemiologic evidence supporting the relationship between genital warts and genital cancer is overwhelming. The evidence also speaks for a strong correlation between genital warts and verrucous carcinoma of the genitalia, bowenoid papulosis, and laryngeal papilloma. The person having genital warts may also have other cutaneous warts. This observation is compatible with the finding that types of human papillomavirus involved in other cutaneous warts were found in genital warts. In view of the never and easier ways of diagnosing nonconspicuous condyloma acuminatum and the potential for malignant transformation of condyloma acuminatum, it is strongly recommended that patients should be followed up periodically for early detection of neoplasia.