Taking a Look at the Condition Behind HPV Warts

In the United States, an approximate 25 million people are living with an HPV infection. While not all forms of the virus are as threatening as others, HPV has been known to produce several different cancers that can strike the genitals, mouth, throat, and anus.

Causes of HPV Warts

The HPV infection wreaks havoc when the virus enters the body through openings – like an abrasion, cut, or undetectable tears in the outer layer of the skin. Skin-to-skin contact is the primary mode of infection, although plantar warts enter the body when an individual steps barefoot onto an infected moist surface (like a public shower). Oral sex can also cause lesions to attack the inside of the mouth, as well as the upper respiratory system. In rare cases, a mother with an HPV infection can transfer the virus to her baby during delivery, where an infant may develop an infection on their own genitals or upper respiratory system.

Signs and Symptoms

The majority of HPV infections slip past the attention of infected individuals since not all strains cause warts or other lesions to develop. However, the absence of early signs and symptoms does not mean an infected person will not experience later repercussions. Below you will find a brief overview of signs and symptoms associated with various forms of HPV warts:

• Common Warts: The non-cancerous growths that appears on the skin usually surface on the fingers, hands, and about the fingernails. The raised warts seem rough to the touch and are often more of a visual hindrance than a physical threat. However, some warts are painful and can bleed when an injury is sustained. Children and adolescents are prime victims of common warts. Most people will not suffer from these kinds of warts after they have turned 20 years old.

• Genital Warts: The appearance of genital warts ranges from flat, barely detectable lesions to small cauliflower-like bumps to microscopic stem-like formations. Usually, the types of HPV infection behind genital warts (types 6 and 11) are not associated with cancer. In women, genital warts most commonly form on the vulva but can also take place close to the anus, in the vagina, and on the cervix. Men suffer genital warts on their penis, scrotum, and around their anus. In the majority of cases, an infected individual will feel no discomfort or pain.

• Oral and Upper Respiratory Warts: HPV infections may cause warts and other growths to develop on the tongue, soft palate, larynx, and even in the nose. The low-risk HPV strains of type 6 and 11, as well as high-risk strains, such as 16 and 18 are usually behind these lesions.

• Cervical Cancer and Tumors: The majority of genital HPV infections associated with high-risk types do not turn into cancer. Yet, when infections persist – meaning they last more than two years – the risk for cancer increases. Nearly all cervical cancer cases are the result of an HPV infection. Each year, close to 10,000 women in the United States will face a cervical cancer diagnosis. Annually, 4,000 women will pass away as a result.

Warts Related Article

What are Oral Warts?
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