Condyloma

An abnormality in the appearance of the cells of the skin of the cervix which suggests the presence of condyloma (venereal warts). Condyloma are not by themselves dangerous, but require further investigation, because:

• Condyloma are caused by HPV, the same virus which is associated with cervical dysplasia and cancer of the cervix.

• The Pap changes which suggest condyloma have basically the same clinical significance as the changes suggesting low grade intraepithelial lesions (LGSIL), CIN I, and mild dysplasia.

Patients demonstrating condyloma on their Pap smears who previously had normal Paps are ideally evaluated with colposcopy and cervical biopsies to determine the precise diagnosis, extent of the problem, and rule out other, more significant illness. If operational requirements make prompt evaluation difficult or dangerous, colposcopy can usually be safely delayed for weeks to a few months.