Causes and Risk Factors of Human Papilloma Virus
About one-third of the HPV types can be spread through sexual contact.
Some types of Human papilloma virus (HPV) cause common skin warts. Several types can lead to genital warts, the most recognizable sign of HPV infection. In genital warts, simultaneous infection with numerous wart subtypes is common.
Other types of HPV are associated with the development of cervical cancer.
Laboratory evidence exists that shows that there is a malignant transformation induced by HPV, especially by high-risk viral types.
Despite the strong links between HPV and cervical cancer, most HPV infections resolve spontaneously and do not cause progressive lesions. Although HPV infection is common, cancer eventually develops in only a small percentage of infected patients. Other factors almost certainly act with HPV to produce cervical cancer, including:
Cigarette smoking
Long-term use of oral contraceptives (more than 5 years)
Young age at first intercourse
Having multiple sexual partners
Having non-HPV sexually transmitted diseases
Symptoms of Human Papilloma Virus
Like many other STDs, genital warts caused by HPV often do not cause symptoms. One study sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) reported that almost half of the women with HPV had no visible symptoms.
In many cases, however, small, hard spots, easily visible to the eye, develop within 3 weeks to 3 months after exposure. In women, the warts occur on the lips of the vagina, inside the vagina, or around the anus. Anogenital warts may be itchy.
Women also develop cervical warts, which are flat lesions invisible in their early stages. Cervical warts are one common cause of abnormal Pap smear tests.
Warts on the skin (face, hands, legs, feet) may be itchy or slightly tender, but are often asymptomatic.
Diagnosis of Human Papilloma Virus
It is important for a person who may have genital warts to see a doctor so that other types of similar-looking infections or conditions can be ruled out or treated.
Genital warts are usually diagnosed by direct visual examination. A pelvic exam is necessary to test for and diagnose cervical infection, using Pap smear or other tests. Warts on the skin (face, hand, legs, feet) are diagnosed clinically.
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