Condyloma (genital warts) is a viral anogenital wart disease caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. It can occur not only in the genital area but also in all areas that can be contacted through sexual activity, such as the anus and oral cavity. Although similar to common warts, they appear in various sizes, shapes, and colors. They can manifest in various forms, such as a cock's comb shape, papules, blister-like forms, or flat warts, thus requiring careful observation by a specialist.
Diagnosis involves visual inspection, Multi-PCR testing, and tissue biopsy. After visually confirming the lesions, the specific type of HPV is accurately identified through Multi-PCR testing. Condyloma is primarily caused by HPV types 6 and 11. In contrast, high-risk types such as 16 and 18 can cause various cancers, making accurate diagnosis crucial.
Tissue biopsy is performed to differentiate condyloma from other diseases and is particularly essential when lesions are small or atypical. Furthermore, in severe cases, lesions can spread to the urethra or inside the anus, necessitating an endoscopic examination. In fact, condyloma occurring in the urethra accounts for approximately 20% of all cases. In such situations, the patient's pain burden can be reduced through the use of flexible endoscopes that can bend freely and spinal anesthesia.
For the treatment of condyloma, lesions are first removed using a CO2 laser. This method results in less bleeding, a lower recurrence rate, and provides immediate effects. It is performed under local anesthesia, allowing most patients to receive treatment without significant discomfort. In some cases, cryotherapy may also be used. This method has the advantages of not leaving scars, being relatively inexpensive, and being safe to perform even during pregnancy. For patients who find it difficult to visit the hospital, imiquimod cream can be prescribed for concurrent treatment at home.
However, the biggest problem with condyloma treatment is its high recurrence rate. Regardless of the chosen method, there is a known recurrence possibility of 25-50% after treatment. This is because HPV remains in the body even after the lesions are removed, leading to continuous recurrence. This becomes a major reason why many patients feel frustrated during the treatment process. Therefore, treatment should not be prematurely stopped just because symptoms have improved. It is crucial to adhere to the minimum treatment period and undergo regular follow-up examinations.
Furthermore, alongside treatment, efforts to strengthen immunity are also important. Sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced nutritional intake help boost immunity. Of course, stress management is also a crucial factor. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid sexual intercourse until a complete recovery is confirmed. Thus, condyloma treatment must be accompanied by medical intervention and an overall improvement in the patient's lifestyle.
Director Lee Chang-ki of Goldman Urology Incheon Branch stated, "Since HPV naturally disappears within an average of 1.5 to 2 years, it is crucial to trust the medical staff and consistently receive treatment." He added, "Initially, frequent recurrences cause significant stress for patients, but the situation improves over time. Therefore, overcoming the difficulties of early treatment and continuing treatment until the end is the shortcut to complete recovery."