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Information

Most visible warts are diagnosed correctly by history and physical examination alone. The primary method used for cervical cancer screening is cytology via Pap smear every 3 years beginning at age 21; for women 30 years of age, the testing interval can be lengthened to 5 years if co-testing for HPV DNA is negative. There is no clear consensus regarding screening for anal cancer.

Treatment: Human Papillomavirus Infections

  • Many lesions resolve spontaneously. Current treatment is not completely effective, and some agents have significant side effects.
  • Provider-administered therapy can include cryotherapy, surgical excision, intralesionally administered interferon, or laser surgery.
  • Pt-administered therapy consists of podophyllotoxin (0.05% solution or gel or 0.15% cream applied bid for 3 days; can be repeated up to 4 times with 4 days between treatment courses); imiquimod (5% or 3.75% cream applied 3 times per week for up to 16 weeks); and sinecatechins (15% ointment applied tid for up to 4 months).

Outline

Section 7. Infectious Diseases