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Living with Buschke Lowenstein tumor

A slow-growing, cauliflower-shaped tumor near the genitals or anus, caused by HPV.

Understanding Buschke Lowenstein tumor

Buschke-Lowenstein tumor (BLT) is a solid tumor that usually develops around the outer genitals or anus.

It grows slowly into a bulky, cauliflower-shaped mass. It often spreads into nearby tissue and can cause damage. It is caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) and can be passed on through sexual contact. Diagnosis is based on imaging and a microscopic exam of a small piece of the tumor.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet. Based on the summary, this is the main feature:

  • Bulky, cauliflower-shaped growth near the genitals or anus

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with HPV Alliance
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
How will you confirm the diagnosis with imaging and a tissue sample?
What are my treatment options?
Do my partners need to be checked or told?

Quick facts

It is caused by specific types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Risk factors include a weak immune system, multiple sexual partners, alcoholism, and diabetes.

Also known as: anogenital verrucous carcinoma of buschke-lowenstein; anogenital verrucous carcinoma of buschke-löwenstein; buschke-löwenstein giant condyloma; gcbl; giant acuminate warts; giant condyloma acuminatum involving the prepuce and glans penis

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Buschke Lowenstein tumorGARD ID 9663 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Buschke Lowenstein tumor.

Explore the Buschke Lowenstein tumor blog

Explore research for Buschke Lowenstein tumor

Explore actively recruiting Buschke Lowenstein tumor studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Buschke Lowenstein tumor with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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