Treatment of Condyloma Acuminata in the Penis with Subcutaneus Interferon Alfa 2b: Report of a Case View PDF

Myriam Dahbar
Department Of Dermatology, Hospital De Clínicas “José De San Martín”, Faculty Of Medicine, University Of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
^*Graciela Manzur
Department Of Dermatology, Hospital De Clínicas “José De San Martín”, Faculty Of Medicine, University Of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Gustavo Gabriel Haller
Department Of Dermatology, Hospital De Clínicas José De San Martin, Faculty Of Medicine, University Of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Paula Barrios
Department Of Dermatology, Hospital De Clínicas José De San Martin, Faculty Of Medicine, University Of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Constanza Venini
Department Of Dermatology, Hospital De Clínicas José De San Martin, Faculty Of Medicine, University Of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Martínez Del Sel J
Department Of Dermatology, Hospital De Clínicas José De San Martin, Faculty Of Medicine, University Of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Florencia Diaz De La Fuente
Department Of Dermatology, Hospital De Clínicas José De San Martin, Faculty Of Medicine, University Of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina

^*Corresponding Author:

Graciela Manzur
Department Of Dermatology, Hospital De Clínicas “José De San Martín”, Faculty Of Medicine, University Of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Published on: 2026-05-29

Abstract

Condyloma acuminata, also known as genital warts, are lesions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Genotypes 6 and 11 are responsible for more than 90% of cases. They represent one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. The usual locations are external genitalia (penis, vulva, perineum, and perianal skin), cervix, vagina, urethra, and anus. Diagnosis is generally clinical. Factors to consider in selecting treatment include the size, number, and morphology of the lesions, the affected anatomical site, patient preference, cost, convenience, side effects, and the professional’s experience. Many patients require more than one treatment. Interferon (IFN) is a group of glycoproteins that are naturally produced and have antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory properties. When administered subcutaneously, it is an effective, non-invasive therapeutic option with few side effects for multiple condyloma acuminata. We present a patient with multiple condyloma acuminata with a very satisfactory response to subcutaneous IFN alpha 2b.

Keywords

Condyloma acuminata, Human papillomavirus, Genital warts, Interferon alpha 2b.

Introduction

HPV infection is considered the most common sexually transmitted infection [1]. It particularly affects young women and men, and its incidence is directly related to sexual activity [1, 2]. There are more than 200 HPV genotypes, which are clinically grouped into low- and high-risk oncogenic types. The former (HPV 6 and 11) are responsible for anogenital warts, very common benign lesions. The high-risk oncogenic types (HPV 16 and 18) cause dysplastic lesions considered direct precursors of many neoplasms, especially of the cervix, anus, and oropharynx [2, 3]. The clinical expression of genital HPV infection is variable, ranging from asymptomatic states with spontaneous resolution to cancerous processes [4].

Among the common clinical manifestations are condylomata acuminata, also called genital or anogenital warts. These are benign, proliferative lesions, usually multiple, pink or grayish white in color, sometimes hyperpigmented, with filiform or papillomatous projections on their surface. They are generally exophytic lesions, sessile or pedunculated, but can be flattened. They are usually located in the anogenital region, in areas of greater trauma during sexual intercourse [4, 5].

The diagnosis of the infection is clinical and is confirmed by molecular techniques based on the detection of viral DNA and mRNA of oncogenic proteins. Histopathological examination reveals the cellular alteration caused by the infection (koilocytosis) [6]. For the treatment of anogenital warts, each case must be evaluated individually, taking into account various factors, such as the psychological impact, the extent and type of lesions, the duration of the condition, the patient’s immune status, the cost, and even the physician’s experience. Treatment does not eradicate the HPV infection but rather eliminates the warts and improves symptoms when present [6, 7]. Based on their mechanism of action, treatments are divided into three types:

Physical: radiofrequency-loop electrosurgical excision procedure, surgery, laser, electrocoagulation, and cryosurgery.
Chemical: Trichloroacetic acid, podophyllin, and podophyllotoxin.
Immunomodulators: IFN, imiquimod, and 5-fluorouracil [8].