A surgical approach to anogenital Buschke Loewenstein tumours (giant condyloma acuminata)

Condyloma acuminata are anogenital warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Neglected giant peri-anal condyloma acuminata (Buschke Loewenstein Tumours) require major surgical procedures. This report reflects our experience concerning the aggressive surgical approach to this rarely presented type of condyloma acuminata.

The medical records of five patients, who had been surgically treated following the diagnosis of giant perianal condyloma acuminata between April, 1996 and September, 2003 were reviewed and evaluated retrospectively. Full thickness tumour and skin excisions were performed followed by delayed split thickness skin graftings in all patients.

Five patients (3 men, 2 women) who suffered from giant condyloma acuminata lesions obliterating the anal canal were evaluated. The mean age was 36.5 years (range: 24-52). All patients underwent total surgical excisions. The wounds were left open for secondary healing, and following a mean time period of 35 days, split thickness skin graftings were performed. The histopathologic examinations of the specimens of these five patients did not reveal any malignant transformations. No recurrences were detected at the end of a mean follow-up period of 22 months and all patients were considered to be disease-free at the end of their long-term 5-year follow-up periods.

Peri-anal condyloma acuminatum is usually a benign disease, but may grow locally to an excessive extent, developing into a Buschke Loewenstein Tumour, and may cause serious peri-anal hygiene problems. Even though the incidence of malignant transformation is rare, there is always a risk of this complication occurring. Transmission of the disease to other sexual partners is another point of concern. Therefore, this disease must be treated aggressively with total surgical excision. The results of our surgical treatment methods are satisfactory.