Increasing occurrence of condylomata acuminata in premenarchal children

The incidence of condylamata acuminata in adults is reported to be increasing. The presence of this lesion in young children, previously a rare occurrence, is also being seen more frequently. A review of the English-language literature revealed only 19 cases reported since 1940. This report adds 3 new cases to that number, all young premenarchal girls. Since the etiology of this disease is the infectious transmission of a viral agent, it is reasonable to suppose that more children are being exposed to the disease by infected adult family members. Clinicians should be aware of this possibility when treating adults with condylomata acuminata,and when examining children referred to them because of perineal lesions.