HPV infections (Human papilloma virus) and genital warts (condylomas)

The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a virus that only affects the skin of the anogenital tract (penis, vagina, cervix uteri, anal region). HPV infections are diagnosed and treated by ZweiChirurgen at our centre for proctology in Switzerland in Basel, Zurich and Liestal.

Transmission occurs through direct contact, usually during sexual intercourse. HPV infections are therefore classified as a sexually transmitted disease (STD). In rare cases, transmission can also occur in public toilets or saunas. More than 200 types of HPV are known. The viruses can be divided into a group with a high risk (e.g. HPV types 16 and 18) and a group with a low risk (e.g. HPV type 6 or 11) for the development of precancerous lesions of the infected skin.

When infected, the virus causes the skin cells to change. Patients infected with the “low-risk” HPV usually develop condylomas (so-called genital warts). Although these are unpleasant, they hardly increase the risk of cancer. Infection with a “high-risk” HPV can lead to the development of precancerous lesions (so-called AIN, CIN etc.) and later cancer (so-called anal carcinoma), especially in high-risk patients (e.g. with HIV infection or immunosuppression).

HPV infection usually occurs during sexual activity in adolescence. It is assumed that almost teenagers become infected with HPV unnoticed unless they are vaccinated. Vaccination against HPV is therefore recommended for teenage boys and girls.

In most cases, however, the HPV infection is defeated by the immune system and the disease never develops. In about 10% of cases, however, skin lesions develop. Treatment is aimed at removing the affected areas of skin and can take several interventions over a longer period of time.

Condylomas can, for example, be iced or, in the case of larger infestations, removed using a scalpel. If a precancerous leasing (e.g. AIN) is suspected, we carry out a high-resolution camera examination of the affected skin and take small skin samples, which are then examined by a pathologist. Patients at risk (e.g. HIV infection) should therefore be examined annually as part of an AIN screening.

Examination and treatment

  • Genital warts
  • AIN
    • brush cytology
    • resection
    • annual check-up of high-risk patients using high-resolution video anoscopy (HRA)