Viral warts

Question 1

What are genital warts caused by

Answer 1

They are caused by the many varieties of the human papillomavirus HPV, especially types 6 & 11

Question 2

What types of HPV result in cervical cancer

Answer 2

types 16,18 &33

Question 3

What are the features of genital warts

Answer 3

small (2 - 5 mm) fleshy protuberances which are slightly pigmented
may bleed or itch

Question 4

What is podophyllotoxin

Answer 4

Podophyllin resin is a substance derived from the roots of the mayapple plant (Podophyllum peltatum) that grows in the wild in eastern North America. Podophyllotoxin is an antimitotic. It acts by preventing viral wart cells from dividing and multiplying. Eventually all the wart cells die and new healthy cells grow in their place.

Question 5

What is the management of genital warts

Answer 5

topical podophyllum or cryotherapy are commonly used as first-line treatments depending on the location and type of lesion

Question 6

What is best managed topically

Answer 6

multiple, non-keratinised warts are generally best treated with topical agents

Question 7

What best responds to cryotherapy

Answer 7

solitary, keratinised warts respond better to cryotherapy

Question 8

What is second line

Answer 8

imiquimod is a topical cream that is generally used second line