Giant Condylomata Acuminata of Buschke and Lowenstein Follow-up
- Author: Catharine Lisa Kauffman, MD, FACP; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD more...
Deterrence/Prevention
Early circumcision has been found to be extremely effective in preventing penile carcinoma. Given the association with HPV, condom use would probably be effective in decreasing the incidence of GCBL. The HPV vaccine (Gardasil) is indicated for the prevention of condyloma acuminata due to HPV types 6 and 11 in boys, men, girls, and women aged 9-26 years. The vaccine is administered as 3 separate doses adminstered at 0, 2, and 6 months.
Complications
Most complications of GCBL are the result of the growth of the tumor or of the treatment. As the lesion progresses, fistulization, foul odor, and secondary infections are common. Extensive lesions, particularly leading to complex fistulous tracts and discharge, may require a temporary colostomy. Less radical approaches may lead to local recurrence. Therefore, abdominoperineal resection has been recommended for patients with rectal sphincter involvement.
Prognosis
Inadequately treated GCBL has a relentless progression and is fatal by direct spread to pelvic organs. By definition, adequately treated GCBL has a low recurrence rate and, therefore, an excellent prognosis. However, one study of perianal/anogenital GCBL, with treatments ranging variously from podophyllin to pelvic exenteration, showed a 68% recurrence rate with a 21% mortality rate.
In another series of 42 patients, the median number of recurrences of giant condyloma acuminatum was 2 years (range, 1-7 y), and the median time to first recurrence was 10 months. A high rate of recurrence correlates with a long duration of disease.
Patient Education
For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Men’s Health Center and Cancer and Tumors Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education article Cancer: What You Need to Know.
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