Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs)
and Genital Warts
Revising Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD
Revising Medical Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
 |
Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the cervix can lead to cervical cancer. A vaccine designed to prevent cervical cancer and other diseases caused by infection with HPVs was approved for use in the U.S. in June 2006. This is the first vaccine to be developed against a known risk factor for the development of a cancer.
While some HPV types infect the skin and cause benign warts and other lesions, about 40 types of HPVs can infect the genital tract. Genital HPV infection is very common in the general population; estimates suggest that up to 50% of all sexually active people will be infected at some point in their lives. In the majority of cases, the infection does not cause any symptoms, but in some women, HPV infection can progress to cause precancerous and cancerous lesions of the uterine cervix. HPVs that infect the genital area are also associated with other less common genital cancers in men and women such as cancers of the anus, vagina, penis, and vulva. HPV infection also causes genital warts in men and women.
The most common HPV types that infect the genital area are HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. Among these, HPV types 6 and 11 are most commonly associated with benign lesions, such as genital warts and mild precancerous changes of the cervix. In contrast, HPV types 16 and 18 are the types found in the majority of cancers as well as in severe precancerous changes of the cervix. The vaccine, called Gardasil, targets these four common HPV types.
|
 |
What are human papillomaviruses (HPVs)?
There are over 100 types of papillomaviruses (HPVs) that
infect humans. Of these, more than 40 types can infect the anogenital tract
(genital tract and anus) of
men and women and cause genital warts (known as condylomata acuminata or
venereal warts). A subgroup of the HPVs that infect the anogenital tract
(genital tract and anus) can
lead to precancerous changes in the uterine cervix and cause uterine, cervical cancer. HPV infection also is associated with the development of other
anogenital cancers in women. The HPV types that cause
cervical cancer also have
been linked with both anal and penile cancer in men as well as a subgroup of
head and neck cancers in both
women and men. Genital warts and HPV infection are transmitted primarily by
sexual intimacy, and the risk of infection increases as the number of sexual
partners increase.
The most common HPV types that infect the anogenital tract
are HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 (HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-18), although
other HPV types can also infect the anogenital tract. Among these, HPV-6 and
HPV-11 are most commonly associated with benign lesions such as genital warts
and mild dysplasia of the cervix (potentially precancerous changes in the
appearance of cervical cells under a microscope) and are
termed "low-risk" HPV types. In contrast, HPV-16 and HPV-18 are the types found in the majority of
cervical and anogenital cancers as well as severe dysplasia of the cervix. These
belong to the so-called "high-risk" group of HPVs.
Other, different HPV types infect the skin and cause
common warts elsewhere on the body. Some types of HPVs (e.g., HPV 5 and 8)
frequently cause skin cancers in people who have a condition
known as epidermodysplasia verruciformis.
Next: How common is HPV infection? »
- imiquimod-topical, Aldara - Consumer information about the medication IMIQUIMOD - TOPICAL (Aldara), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug IMIQUIMOD - TOPICAL.
- Pap Smear - Read about Pap smear, a test to screen for cervical cancer, and precancerous changes in the cervix. Risk factors for abnormal Pap include HPV, smoking medicaitons, and a weakened immune system.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) - Learn and become aware of common STDs in women, including descriptions, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of each type of infection.
Latest Medical News
|
|
 |
From WebMD
Sexual Conditions Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Genital Warts (HPV)
Syphilis In Women »
What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that can be
transferred from one person to another through any type of sexual contact. STDs
are sometimes referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) since they
involve the transmission of a disease-causing organism from one person to
another during sexual activity. It is important to realize that sexual contact
includes more than just sexual intercourse (vaginal and anal). Sexual contact
includes kissing, oral-genital contact, and the use of sexual "toys," such as
vibrators. STDs probably have been around for thousands of years, but the most
dangerous of these conditions, the
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), has only been recognized since
1984.
Many STDs are treatable, but effective cures are lacking
for others, such as HIV, HPV, and hepatitis B and C. Even gonorrhea, once easily
cured, has become resistant to many of the ...
Read the Syphilis In Women article »
|
Sexual Health RSS