Oral Condyloma Acuminatum — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateOral PathologyOral Condyloma AcuminatumMFDS Part 1

A 29-year-old adult has several painless, pink, broad-based papillary lesions on the labial mucosa. Biopsy shows a papillomatous squamous proliferation with prominent koilocytosis, consistent with oral condyloma acuminatum. Which infectious agent is most commonly associated with this lesion?

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Correct answer: A — Human papillomavirus types 6 and 11

Oral condyloma acuminatum is a benign papillomatous lesion most commonly associated with the low-risk human papillomavirus types 6 and 11. Its broad-based or sessile architecture, tendency to occur as multiple or coalescing lesions, and koilocytosis support the diagnosis. HPV 16 and 18 are high-risk oncogenic types and are more relevant to HPV-associated dysplasia and carcinoma, particularly in the oropharynx. Herpes simplex virus typically produces vesicles and ulcers rather than persistent papillary growths. Epstein–Barr virus is associated with lesions such as oral hairy leukoplakia. Treponema pallidum can cause condylomata lata in secondary syphilis, but these are distinct from condyloma acuminatum.

Reference: Syrjänen S. Human papillomavirus infections and oral tumors. Medical Microbiology and Immunology. 2003;192:123–128. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/649032b6b32b9e000ca969a7/HPV-green-book-chapter-18a-June-2023.pdf