Human papillomavirus. HPV: A virus that causes abnormal tissue growth (warts) and is often associated with some types of cancer. Condyloma acuminata is the official name for a type of wart that appears on the genital area of men and women.  Condyloma are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus is generally sexually transmitted in adults. Some people apparently can have the virus, not show any signs of condyloma and still transmit the virus to a partner, who may develop condyloma. Since HPV can have such a long incubation period, it is often not possible to determine how you contracted it.