VIRALLY INDUCED GROWTHS - CONDYLOMA ACUMINATUM

Condyloma acuminatum also know as venereal wart is produced by infection with either Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)-6 or HPV-11. The lesions can be single or multiple and they may develop in any oral mucosas including the gingiva. The clinical appearance can be that of multiple nodular growths covered by a smooth surface or single papillary lesions. The gingival lesions tend to be characterized by multiple, white, finger-like projections which are covered by keratin. These papillary lesions can be multiple or single and tend to develop on the interdental papillae. The term papilloma have been used in the past to refer to these lesions. The treatment of choice is either surgical or laser ablation. The lesions can recur if not fully excised or if reinfection occurs. These lesions are commonly observed in HIV positive or AIDS patients.

Figure 17. The papillary lesion present in the interdental papilla between teeth #4 and #5 is a condiloma acuminatum.. Two smaller lesions can be seen between teeth #5 and #6. This viral lesion is generally transmitted sexually. Note its finger-like, white projections.