HPV

Smoking-related diseases have reached epidemic levelsamong women in the United States. Since 1980, neoplastic,cardiovascular, respiratory, and pediatric diseases attributableto smoking-as well as cigarette burns-havebeen responsible for the premature deaths of 3 millionAmerican women and girls. Lung cancer is now the leadingcause of cancer-related deaths among US women; itsurpassed breast cancer in 1987.1

Even though highly active antiretroviral therapies and effective chemoprophylaxis are available, the exposure of HIV-infected patients to opportunistic pathogens remains a concern.

Recently the CDC updated its guidelines for treating sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This article focuses on genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Seen here are asymptomatic papillary growths on the gingiva of a 31-year-old homosexual man who is seropositive for HIV. The diagnosis of human papillomavirus (HPV) lesions can be based on appearance and history. Condylomas may also appear flat and smooth or nodular, resembling fibromas. Because cross infection is common, patients who have these lesions-and their partners-are at increased risk for contracting anal and genital condylomas.