However, diagnosis of EBV in OHL lesions requires in situ hybridization, a technique not routinely available. Since OHL is usually painless and not life-threatening, patients often request treatment for cosmetic reasons. Systemic antiviral treatment with acyclovir or ganciclovir has been suggested. Often physicians are reluctant to begin systemic antiviral treatment for OHL alone. There are at least 50 related Human Papilloma Virus es, three groups of which lead to various diseases of the genital area.
Warts can also grow inside the vagina, anus, or urethra, making detection more difficult.
Genital warts may also be subclinical that is, they are invisible until painted with acetic acid. Individuals with subclinical warts are infectious, despite the absence of obvious growths. Therefore, individuals who have had sex with someone with genital warts should be examined by a physician, even if they have no obvious signs of infection. Genital warts are treated by surgical removal, topical treatment, or by local injections of alpha-interferon. HIV-infected people often have multiple warts, making surgical removal difficult.