Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a virus that causes infection in the skin and mucous membranes. More than 100 different strains of human papillomavirus have been identified, of which 30 strains are affiliated with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). HPV is most commonly spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, with most infected individuals unaware of contraction of the disease.
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are usually noncancerous skin growths on the bottom of feet. It is caused by HPV 1, 2 and 4 entering abrasions or cuts in the skin. Transmission is from person-to-person contact or through droplets of blood of skin from a wart. Plantar warts do not require treatment unless painful or bothersome.
Common Warts
Common warts are similar to plantar warts. The warts are noncancerous and spread by HPV 1, 2, 4, 27 and 29. Common warts are bothersome but generally disappear without treatment.
Flat Warts
Flat warts are flat-topped areas of elevated skin, commonly located on the face when the skin is scratched. The warts are caused by HPV 3, 10, 27, 28, 41 and 49. Flat warts are diagnosed more in children and teenagers.
Genital Warts
Genital warts are caused by HPV 6, 11, 30, 40 to 45, 51 and 54. Genital warts are contagious and transmission is through skin-to-skin contact. The warts are flat and flesh-colored and are located in the genital area. Treatment options for genital warts include medications, surgery and cryotherapy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 percent of sexually active adults in the United States have genital warts.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer affects the tissue in the cervix and is commonly caused by HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56 and 58. Generally diagnosed through Pap tests, it is a slow-growing cancer. Cervical cancer treatment depends on the stage of cancer that is present. Options include biopsy, laser surgery, cryosurgery and hysterectomy.
Laryngeal Papillomas
HPV 6, 11 and 30 are associated with laryngeal papillomas. It is a disease that causes tumor growth in the respiratory tract. A rare disease, treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy and antibiotics.
Facts
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 20 million Americans are infected with HPV, with 6.2 million newly infected each year. It is also estimated that 50 percent of men and women who are sexually active will acquire HPV at some time in life.
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