Condylomas are caused by infection with the human papilloma virus – HPV, which is transmitted sexually. Some variants of the virus can cause malignant transformation of infected cells, leading to the development of tumors, especially of the cervix. Most of the viruses that cause warts can be naturally eliminated from the body without causing significant symptoms. In some cases, symptoms may appear, but the virus can be successfully eliminated after treatment. Sometimes, however, the virus can remain in the body for a long time without causing complaints. Condylomas are small wart-like growths on the genitals, anus and the area around it. Sometimes they can also appear on the mouth, urethra, vagina or cervix. They develop years after infection and are not always noticeable. When visible, however, they can be flat, raised above the skin, and pink or grayish in color. Sometimes they can cause irritation, itching or even bleeding during intercourse. In the majority of patients, the virus is successfully eliminated by the immune system without causing symptoms. Some variants of the virus can favor the development of cancer processes in infected cells. Most often these are the cells of the cervix, vulva, anus, rectum, penis or throat. Prolonged infection with these variants of the virus leads to malignant transformation of the cells, in which they turn into precancerous lesions and then lead to the formation of tumors. Smoking, advancing age and oral contraceptives favor the development of cancerous processes in the lesions that the virus causes, especially in the area of ​​the cervix. The human papillomavirus is a DNA virus that mainly affects the nucleus of the epithelial cells in the cervical mucosa. It can remain dormant for a long time. Its genome contains an oncogene that codes for a protein that stimulates cell proliferation. The protein allows the virus to replicate in host cells using their DNA polymerase. After the virus-infected cells grow, the layers of the epidermis thicken. Complications from the infection can be related to both reproductive health disorders and the development of cancer of the affected organs. References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547667/