A 35 year old woman comes with complaints of warty lesions on the vulva. On examination, multiple warty growths on the vulva and around the anal canal are seen. This condition is most likely seen in?

Correct Answer: A. Condyloma accuminata

Condyloma acuminata (genital warts) is the classic presentation of HPV infection (most commonly types 6 and 11, though types 16 and 18 are oncogenic). The key discriminating feature here is the warty, exophytic growths with a characteristic "cauliflower-like" appearance on the vulva and perianal region. This is pathognomonic for condyloma acuminata. The lesions are typically multiple, painless, and can proliferate rapidly, especially in immunocompromised states. In India, HPV-related genital warts are increasingly common, particularly in sexually active women. The diagnosis is clinical, though HPV typing (via PCR or hybrid capture) can identify oncogenic strains. Management includes topical agents (podophyllin, imiquimod), cryotherapy, or surgical excision. The condition carries a risk of malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma, particularly with oncogenic HPV types, making regular cervical screening essential per Indian guidelines (Pap smear or HPV testing as per IAOG recommendations).

Why the other options are wrong

B. Chancroid — Chancroid (caused by Haemophilus ducreyi) presents with painful, purulent ulcers with undermined edges, not warty growths. The lesion is a single or few painful nodules that rapidly ulcerate, accompanied by painful inguinal lymphadenopathy (bubo). There is no exophytic warty appearance. This is a classic NBE trap pairing STIs, but the morphology is distinctly different. C. Herpes — Herpes simplex presents with painful vesicles that rupture into shallow ulcers, often preceded by prodromal pain or burning. The lesions are typically grouped, painful, and associated with systemic symptoms (fever, malaise). Warty, exophytic growths are not a feature of herpes; instead, the hallmark is painful ulceration. Recurrent episodes are common. D. Molluscum contagiosum — Molluscum contagiosum (caused by a poxvirus) presents with small, dome-shaped papules with central umbilication and a pearly appearance. While it can occur on the vulva, it does not produce the large, exophytic, cauliflower-like warty growths characteristic of condyloma acuminata. The lesions are typically smaller and lack the proliferative warty morphology.

High-Yield Facts

Mnemonics

STI Lesion Morphology: CHUM Chancroid = painful Ulcer (undermined); Herpes = painful vesicles/Ulcers; Unnamed (molluscum) = umbilicated papules; Multiple warty = (condyloma) acuminata. Use when differentiating genital lesions by appearance. HPV-Related Conditions: 6-11 vs 16-18 HPV 6 & 11 → benign warts (condyloma acuminata); HPV 16 & 18 → oncogenic (cervical cancer, anal cancer). Remember: low-risk types cause visible warts, high-risk types cause silent malignancy.

NBE Trap

NBE pairs multiple STIs (chancroid, herpes, molluscum) with genital lesions to test whether students can distinguish exophytic warty growths (condyloma) from painful ulcers (chancroid/herpes) or umbilicated papules (molluscum). The trap is conflating "genital lesion" with the specific morphology required for diagnosis.

Clinical Pearl

In Indian clinical practice, HPV-related genital warts are increasingly prevalent in sexually active women aged 20–40 years. A woman presenting with multiple warty lesions on the vulva and perianal region should prompt immediate HPV typing and cervical screening to rule out malignancy, as oncogenic strains (16/18) may coexist with benign warts. Early detection and treatment reduce cancer risk significantly.

_Reference: DC Dutta's Textbook of Gynaecology (6th ed.), Ch. 24 (Sexually Transmitted Infections); Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, Ch. 182 (Sexually Transmitted Infections)_