Giant condyloma acuminatum in a patient with HIV infection: a case report
AIDS Research and Therapy
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12981-026-00889-y
Article in Press
Giant condyloma acuminatum in a patient with
HIV infection: a case report
Chuanna Wang, Tianping Wang, Luhua Gao, Ye Zhang, Yushen Liu, Guozhan Jia,
Zhuowei Zhao, Jing Li & Wen Kang
Received: 11 March 2026
Accepted: 16 April 2026
Cite this article as: Wang C., Wang T.,
Gao L. et al. Giant condyloma
acuminatum in a patient with HIV
infection: a case report. AIDS Res
Ther (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/
s12981-026-00889-y
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Giant condyloma acuminatum in a patient with HIV infection:
A case report
Chuanna Wang1,2†, Tianping Wang1†, Luhua Gao1†, Ye Zhang1, Yushen Liu1,
Guozhan Jia3, Zhuowei Zhao4, Jing Li4*, Wen Kang1*
¹Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical
University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
²School of Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
³Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical
University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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⁴Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military
Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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Correspondence:
Wen
()
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Kang
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();
Jing
Li
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These authors contributed equally to this work.
Abstract
Background Giant condyloma acuminatum (GCA), also known as
Buschke-Löwenstein tumor, is a rare tumor-like lesion associated
with
human
papillomavirus
(HPV)
infection.
Although
it
is
histologically benign, it behaves in a locally aggressive manner. GCA
most commonly involves the external genitalia, perianal region,
perineum,
and
rectum.
It
occurs
more
frequently
in
immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with advanced
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or suboptimally controlled human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
infection. Here, we report a case of perianal GCA in an HIV-infected
patient and discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges
encountered, with the aim of informing clinical management of this
disease.
Case presentation We describe a 24-year-old man with a 7-year
history of HIV infection who had suboptimal adherence to
antiretroviral therapy (ART). Over the past 3 years, he developed a
gradually enlarging perianal mass with intermittent bleeding and
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purulent discharge. Over a 6-month period, he presented with
PR
progressive fatigue and exertional dyspnea. Laboratory evaluation
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revealed severe anemia and hypoproteinemia. The diagnosis of GCA
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was established by histopathological examination of the perianal
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lesion, supported by imaging findings and clinical manifestations,
and assessed for disease extent. He underwent wide local excision
of the mass and received optimized antiretroviral therapy, cultureguided antimicrobial therapy, and supportive care. He experienced
marked clinical improvement postoperatively. At 3-month follow-up,
the wound had completely healed, anal sphincter function was
preserved, and there was no evidence of recurrence.
Conclusions This case illustrates a rare but clinically significant
manifestation of HPV-related disease in the context of HIV-
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associated immunosuppression. GCA should be considered in the
differential diagnosis for HIV-positive patients presenting with
extensive anogenital masses. Early histopathological confirmation
and multidisciplinary management facilitate timely diagnosis and
intervention.
Keywords
Giant
condyloma
acuminatum
(GCA),
Buschke-
Löwenstein tumor, HIV, HPV, Perianal disease, Immunosuppression,
Case report
Background
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Giant condyloma acuminatum (GCA), also known as Buschke-
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Löwenstein tumor, is a rare condition associated with human
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papillomavirus (HPV) infection [1]. Its incidence has been estimated
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to be approximately 0.1% in the general population, with a reported
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male-to-female ratio of 2.7:1 [2,3]. Although uncommon, cases have
been reported during pregnancy [4]. Clinically, GCA most frequently
involves the external genitalia, perianal region, perineum, and
rectum
[5].
Despite
characteristics,
GCA
its
generally
exhibits
benign
clinically
histopathological
aggressive
behavior,
including infiltrative growth, frequent extension beyond 10 cm in
maximum diameter, and marked local tissue destruction [6].
Multiple sexual partners, chronic genital inflammation, poor
hygiene,
and
immunosuppression
have
been
recognized
as
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important risk factors for the development of GCA [7]. Individuals
living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at particularly
high risk of HPV acquisition due to impaired cellular immunity as
well as shared routes of transmission. Accordingly, HIV-positive
patients may experience more rapid progression and a higher
likelihood of recurrence of GCA lesions, which can substantially
complicate clinical management [8]. Given the rarity of GCA, highquality evidence regarding optimal treatment strategies and
prevention remains limited. Here, we report a case of perianal GCA
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in a 24-year-old man living with HIV. The patient achieved a
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favorable short-term outcome following guideline-concordant ART
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and complete surgical excision of the lesion. No recurrence was
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observed at 3-month follow-up.
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Case presentation
A 24-year-old man was admitted to our hospital on May 19, 2024,
with a chief complaint of a progressively enlarging perianal mass
over the prec (...truncated)