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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffGenital warts, also known as venereal warts or condylomata acuminata, are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted diseases.
As the name suggests, genital warts affect the moist tissues of the genital area. They may look like small, flesh-colored bumps or have a cauliflower-like appearance. Genital warts may be very small, or they may multiply into large clusters.
Although genital warts can be treated with medications and surgery, they are a serious health concern. The virus that causes genital warts — the human papillomavirus (HPV) — has been associated with cervical cancer. It has also been linked with other types of genital cancers.
- Human papillomavirus and genital warts. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseasese. http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/stdhpv.htm. Accessed Jan. 13, 2009.
- HPV and genital warts. National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.4woman.gov/faq/stdhpv.pdf. Accessed Jan. 13, 2009.
- Carusi DA, et al. Patient information: Condyloma (genital warts) in Women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 13, 2009.
- Diaz ML. Human papilloma virus - prevention and treatment. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics. 2007;35:199.
- HPV vaccine information for young women. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/std/Hpv/STDFact-HPV-vaccine.htm. Accessed Jan. 13, 2009.
- Steckelberg JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 26, 2009.
- Litin SC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 23, 2009.
