Management of human papillomavirus-associated genital lesions in men

A total of 155 men with human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated genital lesions were studied to evaluate therapy for obvious and subclinical lesions. The treatment methods were selected according to type, location, size, and number of lesions. Seventy-three percent of all patients were successfully treated by the initial therapy. Eighty men with minimal disease had a significantly lower treatment failure rate than 75 men with multiple lesions (15 versus 40%; P less than .001). The type of lesions (classical condyloma versus other HPV-associated lesions), visibility (obvious condylomata versus subclinical lesions), and location did not significantly influence the cure rate (P greater than .05). Seventy-six percent of treatment failures were evident at the first follow-up examination. After a follow-up time of 1 year, 95% of men with obvious condylomata and 93% of men with subclinical lesions were disease-free. The results indicate that obvious and subclinical HPV-associated lesions in men may be successfully controlled by one or more treatment modalities adapted to the particular needs of the patient.