HPV

Overview

HPV or human papillomavirus infection is a type of viral infection which causes the formation of warts on skin or mucous membrane growths. While most types of HPV cause warts, some may lead to cancer. For example, genital HPV may cause cancer of the cervix; other strains cause cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis, throat, etc.

However, it is not common for HPV to lead to cancer. Additionally, there are vaccines available that can be taken as preventative measures against cervical cancer or genital warts. The seriousness of one’s condition depends upon the type of HPV infection they’ve developed.

What is HPV Infection?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can cause growths or warts on different parts of the body. Warts can show up on the feet, face, hands or genitals. While there are over 100 strains of HPV, about 30 strains can affect the genitals including the vagina, vulva, cervix, penis, anus, etc.

HPV of the genitals can be transmitted through sexual activity. They are classified under STIs and spread via skin-to-skin contact. While most strains of HPV are considered to be harmless, some can lead to cancer like that of the cervix.

However, spontaneous detection and treatment of the HPV infection shall help control the condition, before it gets dangerously worse to the point of resulting in types of cancers.

Types of HPV Infection

As there are over 100 types of HPV strains, they are grouped into categories based on whether they infect the genital (mucosal) or skin (cutaneous) cells. The types of HPV are indicated by numbers. Here are the groups of HPV strains based on the cells they affect:

Cutaneous HPV

The cutaneous type HPVs break in and live in the skin cells, causing warts across the skin stretched over the feet, hands, legs, arms, face, etc. These HPV types are different from ones causing genital warts.

Mucosal HPV

Mucosal membranes or mucous are moist layers lining the organs and parts of the body that open up to the outside. Mucosal HPV lives on the cells gracing the mucosal surfaces. It can affect the lining of the mouth, throat, vagina, anus, cervix, inner foreskin of the penis, inner moist area of the nose, eyelids, the trachea and bronchi, etc.

Note that Mucosal HPV has low-risk as well as high-risk types. HPV 6 and HPV 11 are categorised under low-risk mucosal HPV which is mainly limited to genital warts. They usually do not lead to cancer. On the contrary, HPV 16, HPV 18, HPV 31, HPV 33, or HPV 42 may lead to the development of cancer, owing to the types often being able to defy the body’s immune system.

Symptoms of HPV

Depending on the type of HPV strain, warts may appear in different forms across various body parts. For example, genital warts appear as flat lesions, bumps or as protrusions. They can occur around the vagina, anus or cervix in women; and on the penis or scrotum in men - causing discomfort, tenderness and itchiness in the affected areas.

Common warts may occur on the hands and fingers, appearing as raised, rough bumps. They can often be intensely painful or even get bloody. These warts are more prone to injury. Plantar warts, on the other hand, are hard and grainy growths across the balls/heels of the feet. They may cause discomfort while walking.

As the name suggests, flat warts are flat, raised lesions. Children usually get them on their faces, women get them on their legs while men get them in the bearded regions. However, it is possible that an HPV infection does not trigger any symptoms in an individual. They may not even realise that they have an HPV strain, experiencing no problem at all.

Causes of HPV

The HPV infection can be caused if the virus enters the body via a small cut or tear in the skin. Skin-to-skin contact is a major cause of this disease. Intercourse has also been recorded as a major source of genital HPV infections. Unprotected oral sex may cause this infection in the upper respiratory region or the mouth area.

As warts are contagious in nature, coming in contact with a person who has them or touching an object that has been in contact with warts - can put one at risk of developing them. Pregnant women who have warts may cause the newly born baby to also get the infection. Although rare, the baby may develop a non-cancerous protrusion in its larynx.

Younger children are more at risk of having common warts while young adults and adolescents are susceptible to genital warts. So, age may play an important role in whether or not one develops an HPV infection. Individuals with multiple sexual partners or with weak immune systems are also at risk of developing HPV infections.

HPV Infection Diagnosis and Tests

Typically, healthcare professionals can diagnose genital warts simply by looking at them. However, a Pap smear or HPV test is necessary to diagnose high-risk HPV forms as they do not trigger measurable symptoms.

A Pap smear test detects precancerous cells and cervical cancer. HPV tests trace the existence of high-risk virus strains like HPV 16, HPV 18, and others. Other examinations like colposcopy or VIA (visual inspection with acetic acid) may prompt the detection of abnormal cell activity.

Treatment of HPV

While there is no specific treatment for the HPV virus, the warts can be treated. For example, salicylic acid can help remove the layers of the warts a little at a time. It is usually contained in specific over-the-counter medication. Other treatments may include podofilox and trichloroacetic acid.

Imiquimod can help enhance the working of the immunity system. In its newly boosted state, it is more likely to be able to fight the HPV virus. If medication does not fetch the expected results, surgical and other procedures include cryotherapy, electrocautery, laser surgery or surgical removal.

Preventive Measures for HPV

Getting vaccinated against cancer-causing HPV strains is a much-recommended preventative measure. It will protect one against vaginal, cervical, anal and vulvar cancers. Using protection during intercourse should also help avoid the spread of HPV strain to a certain degree.

It is also the responsibility of an individual with genital warts to avoid skin-to-skin contact with another person. Finally, getting screened for HPV strains is recommended as a preventative measure to avoid the development of cervical cancer in the future.

Myths and Facts Related to HPV

Below are some misconceptions connected to HPV and subsequently, the factual alternatives to them:

Myth 1: Only Women With Multiple Partners Can Have HPV
Fact: Not only women with multiple partners but even ones with a single partner, are susceptible to the HPV virus. While women with more than one partner are more at risk, the chances of getting this common virus remain averagely present, even for people with one partner.

Myth 2: If I Have HPV, I Will Have Cervical Cancer
Fact: This is not true. While HPV is common, cervical cancer is not always recorded as an aftermath. The HPV infection and warts shall go away on their own. However, if the infection does last longer, it may cause the cells to form abnormally, which shall lead to cervical cancer.

Myth 3: I Won’t Get HPV as I’ve Used Protection During Intercourse
Fact: While using protection during intercourse can minimise the chances of an HPV infection, it does not reduce it to zero. The HPV virus can be spread if the affected person's genitals come in contact with their partner's. Thus, it's not a foolproof shield against this STI.