Human papillomavirus (HPV) produces epithelial tumors of the skin in several anatomical areas and and mucous membranes. In the first global meta-analysis of case-control studies investigating the role of HPV in esophageal carcinoma, HPV was associated with a threefold greater chance of esophageal cancer.
Anogenital warts, cervical infections and even common cutaneous warts (verruca vulgaris) should be timely and correctly diagnosed. Missing a diagnosis is likely to cause confusion of one condition for a much more dangerous one, delay appropriate therapy and may lead to needless morbidity or even mortality.
Detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA is now approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is valuable as a screening tool in women older than 30 years. Tests are available for multiple conditions and HPV varieties.
Patients who are diagnosed with condylomata are at an increased risk for other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes, and HIV should be considered, depending on the clinical situation. These patients need a Papanicolaou (Pap) test of the cervix in accordance with the guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
