Open AccessClinical Characteristics Of Papillomavirus‐Vulvovaginitis: A New Entity With Oncogenic Potential
Author(s) -
Bodén Elisabeth,
Eriksson Anders,
Rylander Eva,
Schoultz Bo
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016348809004188
Subject(s) - medicine , vulva , asymptomatic , vagina , cervix , dermatology , vaginal discharge , subclinical infection , colposcopy , itching , hpv infection , vaginitis , sex organ , gynecology , pathology , cervical cancer , cancer , surgery , biology , genetics
. The purpose of this paper is to describe the clinical characteristics of HPV‐vulvo‐vaginitis. Clinical symptoms were recorded in 74 women with the diagnosis of papilloma‐virus vulvovaginitis. The diagnosis was established by colposcopic examination, immunological detection of viral structural antigen, and selected biopsies. Patient data were obtained from medical records and by interviews. Discharge, itching, burning, fissures and dyspareunia were typical symptoms. Discharge was more frequent in women with vaginal localization of the HPV infection, whereas itching and burning were the predominant complaint when the HPV lesions were present on the vulva. However, 14 women were asymptomatic. Thirty‐nine women had atypical Pap smears. In half of these women, there was no evidence of intra‐epithelial neoplasia. In 15 women with atypical Pap smears there was no clinical affection of the cervix uteri. But manifestations of wart virus infection in the vagina and/or vulva. Papillomavirus vulvovaginitis may be a subclinical infection, but many women suffer from distinct symptoms related to the location of the specific lesions. This infection of the vulva and vagina may be the sole cause of atypical Pap smears. The clinical recognition of this condition is a necessary prerequisite for a rational therapeutic approach.