Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes.
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). HPV can affect various parts of the body, including:
- genital area
- mouth
- throat
There are over 200 different types of HPV, and they are categorised into low-risk and high-risk types based on their potential to cause disease.
Types of HPV
Low-Risk HPVs
They are associated with benign conditions such as:
- Genital warts – small, warty growths that can appear on the genitals, around the anus or in the throat
- Common warts – these benign warts appear on other areas of the body, such as hands and feet
High-Risk HPVs
They are linked to more serious conditions, including:
- Cervical cancer – high-risk types, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, are strongly associated with cervical cancer. Persistent infection with these types can lead to changes in cervical cells and potentially progress to cancer
- Other cancers – high-risk HPV types can also be associated with other cancers. These include anal, penile, vulvar, vaginal, and oropharyngeal cancers (cancer of the throat, base of the tongue, and tonsils)
Transmission
HPV is primarily spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, including:
- Sexual contact – this includes vaginal, anal and oral sex. It is one of the most common STIs because it is highly contagious and can be transmitted even when an infected person has no visible symptoms
- Non-sexual contact – some types of HPV can spread through non-sexual skin-to-skin contact, such as common warts on the hands
Prevention
- Vaccination – the HPV vaccine prevents infection with the most common high-risk and low-risk HPV types. It’s recommended for preteens (both boys and girls) aged 11 to 12 years, but it can be given up to age 45. The vaccine can greatly reduce the risk of developing HPV-related cancers and genital warts
- Screening – women should get regular cervical screening (Pap tests and HPV tests). These tests are crucial for detecting precancerous changes in the cervix early, to prevent cervical cancer
Treatment
Low-risk HPV
Treatments for genital warts or other benign lesions can include:
- topical treatments
- freezing (cryotherapy)
- surgical removal
High-risk HPV
There is no direct treatment for the virus itself.
Management focuses on monitoring and treating any precancerous or cancerous changes.
Regular screening helps in early detection and management of potential complications.
HPV is a widespread virus, but with appropriate preventive measures and screening, the risks associated with it can be significantly reduced.
References
- HPV and cancer. National Cancer Institute, USA. Accessed 18 July 2024
- Human papillomavirus (HPV). Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Accessed 18 July 2024
- Human papillomavirus (HPV). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed 18 July 2024
- Human papillomavirus and cancer. World Health Organization. Accessed 18 July 2024
- What is HPV? Cancer Council, Australia. Accessed 18 July 2024
Last reviewed and updated: 18 July 2024
