At first, the FP considered the diagnosis of seborrheic keratosis, as the lesions were verrucous and pigmented. But after asking to see the patient’s genital area, the FP made the diagnosis of condyloma acuminata.
This is a good example of how seeing the whole picture beyond what the patient shows you can lead to a more accurate diagnosis. Verrucous lesions on the penis are usually condyloma acuminata, but it is important to know that condyloma can spread up the abdomen and onto the upper thighs, as was seen in this case. The lesions can also be hyperpigmented in people of color. If any doubts remain, a shave biopsy of one of the abdominal lesions would prove the diagnosis of condyloma by demonstrating human papillomavirus (HPV) changes histologically.
In this case, the FP discussed the risk of other sexually transmitted infections with the patient. Syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus tests were ordered, and both turned out to be negative.
The patient chose cryotherapy as a treatment option and the lesions were frozen with liquid nitrogen using a standard cryo-gun and a 1 mm halo, creating an appropriate freeze ball for each lesion. The patient tolerated the procedure well and was willing to have a second freeze thaw cycle for a more rapid treatment response. The FP suggested a follow-up visit in 3 to 4 weeks for a second round of cryotherapy. The patient indicated that he would be willing to try topical imiquimod after the next visit if the cryotherapy didn’t fully work.
Photos and text for Photo Rounds Friday courtesy of Richard P. Usatine, MD. This case was adapted from: Mayeaux EJ, Usatine R. Genital warts. In: Usatine R, Smith M, Mayeaux EJ, et al, eds. Color Atlas of Family Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2013:759-765.
To learn more about the Color Atlas of Family Medicine, see: www.amazon.com/Color-Family-Medicine-Richard-Usatine/dp/0071769641/
You can now get the second edition of the Color Atlas of Family Medicine as an app by clicking on this link: usatinemedia.com