Summary
Definition
Las verrugas genitales son la forma más prevalente de lesiones virales de la mucosa genital y son provocadas por infección causada por varios tipos de virus del papiloma humano (VPH).[1] La infección se manifiesta en forma de pápulas carnosas verrugosas que pueden confluir en placas. El tamaño de las lesiones va de unos pocos milímetros a algunos centímetros.[2] Las verrugas pueden localizarse en cualquier parte del área de los genitales o el área anogenital, incluso en las superficies mucosas.[3] El color puede variar de blancuzco a color piel, de hiperpigmentado a eritematoso.[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Verruga en el cuerpo del peneFotografía utilizada con permiso de la colección personal del Dr. Tyring [Citation ends].
[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Primer plano de verruga del peneFotografía utilizada con permiso de la colección personal del Dr. Tyring [Citation ends].
Las lesiones generalmente aparecen algunas semanas o meses después de la exposición al VPH.[4] En general, son asintomáticas, pero pueden ser dolorosas, friables o pruriginosas.[5][6] Este tema abarcará el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de verrugas internas y externas, con excepción de las verrugas del cuello uterino.
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- mayor riesgo de exposición al VPH
- compromiso inmunológico
- papilomas exofíticos sésiles
Other diagnostic factors
- asintomático
- prurito
- sangrado
- dolor
- síntomas urinarios
Risk factors
- coito a temprana edad
- mayor cantidad de parejas sexuales durante toda la vida
- jóvenes adultos sexualmente activos
- mayor número de parejas sexuales a lo largo de la vida
- compromiso inmunológico
Diagnostic tests
1st tests to order
- no son necesarias pruebas iniciales
Tests to consider
- biopsia
- anoscopia
- uretroscopía
Treatment algorithm
no embarazadas e inmunocompetentes
pacientes inmunocomprometidos
embarazadas
Contributors
Authors
Natalia Mendoza, MD
Pariser Dermatology Specialist
Williamsburg
VA
Disclosures
NM declares that she has no competing interests.
Stephen K. Tyring, MD, PhD, MBA
Clinical Professor
Departments of Dermatology, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics and Internal Medicine
University of Texas Health Science Center
Houston
TX
Disclosures
SKT declares that he has no competing interests.
Acknowledgements
Dr Natalia Mendoza and Dr Stephen K. Tyring would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Brenda L. Pellicane, a previous contributor to this topic.
Disclosures
BLP declares that she has no competing interests.
Peer reviewers
Angela Moore, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Galveston
TX
Disclosures
AM declares that she has no competing interests.
Steve Baguley, FRCP, MSc
Consultant Genitourinary Physician
Woolmanhill Hospital
Aberdeen
Scotland
UK
Disclosures
SB declares that he has no competing interests.
Peer reviewer acknowledgements
BMJ Best Practice topics are updated on a rolling basis in line with developments in evidence and guidance. The peer reviewers listed here have reviewed the content at least once during the history of the topic.
Disclosures
Peer reviewer affiliations and disclosures pertain to the time of the review.
References
Key articles
Forcier M, Musacchio N. An overview of human papillomavirus infection for the dermatologist: disease, diagnosis, management, and prevention. Dermatol Ther. 2010 Sep-Oct;23(5):458-76. Abstract
Ahmed AM, Madkan V, Tyring SK. Human papillomaviruses and genital disease. Dermatol Clin. 2006 Apr;24(2):157-65. Abstract
Meites E, Szilagyi PG, Chesson HW, et al. Human papillomavirus vaccination for adults: updated recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2019 Aug 16;68(32):698-702.Full text Abstract
Beutner KR, Wiley DJ, Douglas JM, et al. Genital warts and their treatment. Clin Infect Dis. 1999 Jan;28 Suppl 1:S37-56. Abstract
Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, et al. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021 Jul 23;70(4):1-187.Full text Abstract
Reference articles
A full list of sources referenced in this topic is available to users with access to all of BMJ Best Practice.
Differentials
- Condiloma latum
- Molusco contagioso
- Pápulas perladas del pene
More DifferentialsGuidelines
- Recommended adult immunization schedule for adults ages 19 years or older: United States, 2023
- Reducing sexually transmitted infections
More GuidelinesPatient information
Verrugas genitales
Vacuna contra el VPH (virus del papiloma humano)
More Patient information
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