Condiloma acuminado gigante (tumor de Buschke-Löwenstein)

Abstract

Condylomata or genital warts are produced by the human papilloma virus (HPV). The infection occurs typically when the basal cells of the host are exposed to the viral infection due to a damaged epithelial barrier, as happens during the sexual act or in minor skin abrasions. Other associating factors are required to produce the disease, such as: inappropriate sexual behaviour, smoking, malnutrition, multiparity, immune system depression and prolonged use of oral anticonceptives. Condyloma acuminatum is one of the most frequent sexual transmitted diseases and is generally associated with types HPV 6 and 11. On some occasions, it can progress to a local invasive tumor but without metastases, similar to a verrucous carcinoma: it is the Buschke-Löwenstein syndrome.