[Condylomata acuminata].

Condylomata acuminata are benign epitheliomas which are caused by the human papilloma virus. 8 subgroups (variants) of the virus are known up to now. Condylomata acuminata are infectious, the virus being transferred by direct contact with a lesion. Condylomata acuminata are found more often in males than in females and never occur in children prior to the age of two years. The peak incidence is between 19 and 22 years of age. Greatly proliferating condylomata acuminata (type Buschke-Löwenstein) may lead to malignant degeneration. There exists a broad spectrum of topical therapeutic modalities: cytotoxic substances such as podophyllin (10 to 25%), colchicine (8%), 5-fluorouracil (1 to 5%), cryotherapy (solid carbon dioxyde or liquid nitrogen), surgical treatment (excochleation, electrocautery or laser beam. Vaccination therapy may prove successful in certain cases in the future.