Pruritic vulvar squamous papillomatosis: evidence for human papillomavirus etiology

The origin of squamous papillae of the vulvar vestibule is controversial. Although some are considered as asymptomatic normal variants of pelvic anatomy, a review of 12 cases of vulvar squamous papillae in patients visiting the Infectious Diseases Clinic at UCLA reveals a distinctly symptomatic variety. A syndrome complex of premonitory vulvar vestibular pruritus, pain or burning, dyspareunia, and progressive development of squamous papillae was noted. Microscopic examination of tissue specimens of the areas of squamous papillae reveals the presence of koilocytic change suggestive of viral infection with human papillomavirus. Furthermore, immunoperoxidase stain revealed human papillomavirus capsid antigen in two cases, which has heretofore not been reported in the literature to the authors' knowledge. Evidence of partner infection on physical examination of sexual partners of these women revealed changes consistent with human papillomavirus in four of six partners who were available for examination. Treatment with podophyllin, cryotherapy, laser, or a combination seems to give predictable resolution of the condition and associated symptoms.