HPV Explained: Virus, Symptoms, Cancer Risk, and Prevention

▶ What is HPV?
HPV (human papillomavirus) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. Most sexually active people will get HPV at least once in their lifetime.

There are more than 100 different strains of HPV. Most cases clear up on their own without treatment, but some strains can cause serious health problems, including cancer.

HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact , especially during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Even if an infected person has no symptoms, they can still pass it on to others. Some types of HPV cause genital warts , while others are linked to various types of cancer.

In most cases, the immune system clears the virus on its own. However, if HPV remains in the body for a long time, it can lead to serious complications.

▶ What types of HPV are there?
HPV is classified into two main groups:

• Low-risk HPV : Types 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 70

These strains are primarily associated with genital warts . Although they do not cause cancer, recurring or persistent cases can affect quality of life.

• High-risk HPV : Types 16, 18, 26, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 69, 73, 82

These strains account for more than 96% of HPV-related cancers , especially cervical cancer , and are considered the most carcinogenic.

▶ What are the symptoms of HPV?
Most HPV infections have no symptoms . However, some strains can cause:
- Genital warts : Small bumps that appear around the genitals, anus, or groin. They may look cauliflower-like or be flat and smooth.
- Common warts : Raised lumps commonly found on the hands or fingers.
- Plantar warts (plantar warts) : Hard, painful, appear on the sole of the foot.
- Flat warts : Smooth, flat lesions that often appear on the face or feet.

High-risk HPV often causes no obvious symptoms , but can cause cell changes that lead to cancer over many years.

▶ What types of cancer can HPV cause?
HPV doesn't just cause warts — some high-risk strains can cause serious cancers . In the United States, there are about 36,000 cases of HPV-related cancer each year, many of which are preventable .

HPV is the main cause of the following cancers:

Common in women:
- Cervical cancer : More than 90% of cervical cancer cases are caused by high-risk HPV infection.
- Vaginal and vulvar cancer : Affects the tissues around the female genital area.

Effects on men:
- Penile cancer : Rare, but strongly associated with the HPV-16 strain.

Affects both men and women:
- Anal cancer : Can occur in both sexes, mainly caused by HPV-16.
- Oropharyngeal cancer : Includes cancer of the base of the tongue, tonsils, and throat. In recent years, the number of cases in men has increased rapidly. Currently, about 60-70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the US are related to HPV.

▶ How is oral HPV transmitted?
Oral HPV is mainly transmitted through oral sex. Many people are likely to be exposed to it at least once in their lives. About 10% of men and 3.6% of women are infected.

Most cases resolve spontaneously , but some may persist for many years and progress to oropharyngeal cancer .

Common symptoms of pharyngeal cancer:
- Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- Earache
- Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- Swollen neck lymph nodes
- Unexplained weight loss

Because symptoms can be vague, if you have risk factors or persistent signs, consult a health professional.

 

▶ How to prevent HPV?

Most cases of genital warts and cancers caused by HPV are effectively preventable with vaccines .

HPV vaccine :
- Protects against 9 HPV strains: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.
- Most effective when given before exposure to the virus – ideally before the start of sexual activity .

CDC-Recommended Vaccination Schedule:
- From 9–14 years old : 2 doses, 6–12 months apart
- 15–26 years old or immunocompromised people: 3 doses
- People aged 27–45 : Can consider vaccination after consulting a doctor

 

▶ Other precautions

• Limit the number of sexual partners and maintain a monogamous relationship

• Use condoms correctly – not 100% protection but reduces the risk of infection

• Avoid direct contact with warts or visible lesions

▶ The importance of regular screening

Even if vaccinated, women should still start cervical cancer screening (Pap test and HPV test) from age 21 onwards .

 

[Source]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/about/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/about/cancers-caused-by-hpv.html
https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/vaccines/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/about-genital-hpv-infection.html
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic-information.html
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/oropharyngeal-cancer.html

MAYO Clinic

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20351596
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv-infection/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351602