| |
|
      |
|
|
Genital Warts
Genital warts are soft, fleshy raised growths that can appear in internal and external genital areas. As in RRP, they are usually caused by HPV types 6 and 11. The incidence of genital warts is estimated at one million new cases in the U.S. each year. Despite a common misperception, genital warts can be spread even when condoms are used. Although warts are generally benign, they can cause psychological distress by making patients feel ashamed and less attractive thereby reducing quality of life.
There is no approved cure for genital warts; however, a variety of therapies are available. The choice of treatment depends on the extent and location of disease and the preferences of the physician and patient. External genital warts can be treated with topical medications. Published sustained clearance rate estimates for topical treatments are 60 percent; however, the duration of follow-up in most studies is very brief. Nventa believes that the rate of long term clearance is much lower with relatively high rates of recurrences. When topical medications are not appropriate or effective, ablative therapies are typically used. These therapies, which require office visits, include the application of trichloroacetic acid, cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen), laser surgery, electrosurgery (burning) and, particularly for internal warts, surgical excision. Recurrence is common even after treatment.
Serious HPV-related diseases
(*) Sources: World Health Organization;
National Institute of Health, Center for Disease Control; National
Cancer Institute; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
|
|
