I. Papular Type of Genital Warts
The papular type of genital warts is relatively common in clinical practice. The lesions start as pinpoint-sized papules and gradually grow to the size of millet seeds, green beans, soybeans, or broad beans. These papules protrude from the surface of the skin or mucous membrane, with flat or semi-circular tops. Lesions often occur in multiple numbers or start singly and gradually increase in number. The papules may fuse together into patchy shapes, some forming cord-like or belt-like structures or resembling wheat ears.
II. Cauliflower Type of Genital Warts
The cauliflower type of genital warts is the most commonly seen clinically. As the lesion enlarges, it often presents with numerous finger-like projections, resembling a cauliflower. The cauliflower type of genital warts can be divided based on lesion size into small cauliflower type and large cauliflower type. Among the cauliflower type genital warts, some lesions appear crown-shaped, some have wider bases, and others are pedunculated. The size of the cauliflower-type genital wart lesions varies from less than 0.5 cm in diameter to the size of a peanut kernel, with a few fusing into larger lesions. The color of the lesions is mostly pale red, with fewer being bright red or grayish-white.
III. Gigantic Type of Genital Warts
Gigantic genital warts were first described by Buschke and Löwenstein in 1925, hence they are also called Buschke-Löwenstein tumors. Some scholars currently consider gigantic genital warts a variant of verrucous carcinoma. This type of genital warts is rarely seen clinically, but in recent years, the number of cases reported domestically has been increasing annually, showing an upward trend. Knowing the above classification of genital warts, if there are any similar symptoms, one should quickly seek medical attention at a regular hospital to avoid delaying treatment.
IV. Hyperkeratotic Type of Genital Warts
The hyperkeratotic type of genital warts is relatively rare clinically among the classifications of genital warts. Hyperkeratotic genital warts mostly occur on dry skin, such as the shaft of the penis, penile root, or scrotum in males, the labia majora or perineum in females, and around the anus. The lesion starts as a small, flat-topped papule and gradually expands into a patch or elevated area ranging in size from a soybean to a fingertip. The top is relatively flat or hemispherical, with an uneven surface showing keratinized micro-protrusions. The texture is relatively firm, and this characteristic of the lesion is mostly similar to common warts, with a few resembling seborrheic keratosis.
V. Nodular Type of Genital Warts
This type of genital warts is relatively rare clinically. The lesion starts as a small papule, gradually increases in size, forming a growth about 1.5 to 2 cm in diameter that protrudes from the surface of the skin or mucous membrane. The color of the lesion is pale red or close to the color of the skin or mucous membrane, with individual cases being light brown or grayish-white. The edges of the lesion are relatively smooth, but upon closer inspection, they appear rough. The surface presents with papillomatous granules or shows spiny projections.
If any similar symptoms are noticed, it is crucial to visit a regular hospital promptly for diagnosis and treatment to avoid delays.