CONDYLOMA

(Condyloma acuminatum). A papilloma with a central core of connective tissue in a treelike structure covered with epithelium, usually occurring on the mucous membrane or skin of the external genitals or in the perianal (tissue surrounding the anus) region. Although the lesions are usually few in number, they may aggregate to form large cauliflower-like masses. Caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), it is infectious and autoinoculable (i.e., capable of being transmitted by inoculation from one part of the body to another). Also called acuminate or venereal warts. See also Epithelium; Papilloma.