genital wart [L, genitalis + AS, wearte] , a small, soft, moist pink or red swelling of the genitals that becomes pedunculated and may be painless, caused by a sexually transmitted disease, human papillomavirus (HPV), which accounts for over 50% of all cases of sexually transmitted disease. The growth may be solitary, or a cauliflower-like group may be present in the same area of the genitalia. Atypical genital warts should be biopsied and examined as possible carcinomas because they are associated with cervical cancer. No therapy has been shown to eradicate HPV. One third of lesions disappear without treatment. Treatment may include podofilox, resin, or trichloracetic acid or cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, laser, or surgical removal. A vaccine (Gardasil) for young females to help prevent HPV infections that may lead to cervical cancer protects against four types of HPV. Also called condyloma, condyloma acuminatum, venereal wart, verruca acuminata.
