What are genital warts and how are they transmitted. How can you recognize the symptoms of genital warts. What are the available treatment options for genital warts. How can you prevent the spread of genital warts. What is the connection between HPV and genital warts. How do genital warts affect pregnancy. What are the long-term implications of genital warts.

Understanding Genital Warts: Causes and Transmission

Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). These warts typically appear as small, flesh-colored bumps or groups of bumps in the genital area. But what exactly causes genital warts, and how are they transmitted?

The primary cause of genital warts is direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has HPV on their skin. This transmission can occur during various forms of sexual activity, including:

• Vaginal sex
• Anal sex
• Oral sex (although this is less common)

It’s important to note that genital warts can be transmitted even when no visible warts are present. This is because the virus may be active on the skin without causing visible symptoms.

Can condoms prevent genital warts?

While condoms can reduce the risk of transmitting genital warts, they do not provide complete protection. This is because condoms don’t cover all genital skin, leaving some areas exposed to potential contact with the virus.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Genital Warts

Identifying genital warts can be challenging, as symptoms may not always be immediately apparent. Some individuals may carry the virus without developing visible warts. However, when symptoms do appear, they often manifest as:

• Small, flesh-colored or grayish bumps in the genital area
• Clusters of bumps that may resemble cauliflower
• Itching or discomfort in the affected area
• Bleeding during intercourse

It’s crucial to remember that symptoms can appear weeks, months, or even years after initial contact with the virus. This delayed onset can make it difficult to determine when the infection was contracted.

How do genital warts affect pregnancy?

Pregnancy can impact the manifestation of genital warts. Due to changes in the immune system during pregnancy, warts may appear or reappear. While rare, there is a small risk of transmitting the virus to the baby during childbirth, potentially causing respiratory papillomatosis.

Diagnosis and Testing for Genital Warts

If you suspect you may have genital warts, it’s essential to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis. But how exactly are genital warts diagnosed?

Typically, a healthcare provider can diagnose genital warts through a visual examination. In some cases, additional tests may be necessary, such as:

• Biopsy: A small sample of the wart is removed and examined under a microscope
• Acetic acid test: Application of a vinegar solution to highlight warts that might be difficult to see
• HPV DNA test: To identify the specific strain of HPV causing the warts

It’s important to note that while these tests can confirm the presence of genital warts, they cannot determine when the infection was acquired.

Treatment Options for Genital Warts

While there is no cure for the HPV virus itself, there are several treatment options available to manage genital warts. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the size, location, and number of warts. Common treatment options include:

1. Topical medications:
   • Imiquimod cream
   • Podofilox solution or gel
   • Sinecatechins ointment
2. Cryotherapy (freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen)
3. Electrocautery (burning off the warts with an electrical current)
4. Surgical excision
5. Laser therapy

It’s important to note that even after treatment, genital warts may recur. This is because the treatments remove the warts but not the underlying virus.

What is the success rate of genital wart treatments?

The success rate of genital wart treatments can vary. While many treatments are effective in removing visible warts, recurrence rates can be high, ranging from 30% to 70% within 6 months of treatment. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve long-term clearance.

Prevention Strategies for Genital Warts

Preventing the spread of genital warts is crucial for sexual health. While complete prevention is challenging, there are several strategies that can significantly reduce the risk of transmission:

• Vaccination: The HPV vaccine provides protection against the most common HPV strains that cause genital warts
• Safe sex practices: Using condoms and dental dams during sexual activity
• Regular screening: Getting routine STI tests, especially if you have multiple sexual partners
• Open communication: Discussing sexual health and history with partners

Who should get the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is recommended for:

• All children aged 11-12 years
• Catch-up vaccination for individuals through age 26 who weren’t adequately vaccinated earlier
• Some adults aged 27-45 years who may benefit from vaccination, as determined by their healthcare provider

The Link Between HPV and Cancer

While genital warts themselves do not cause cancer, certain strains of HPV are associated with an increased risk of various cancers. It’s important to understand this connection to emphasize the significance of prevention and regular screening.

HPV strains associated with cancer include:

• HPV 16 and 18: Responsible for most cases of cervical cancer
• HPV 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58: Also linked to cervical cancer
• Various HPV strains: Associated with anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers

It’s crucial to note that the strains causing genital warts (typically HPV 6 and 11) are different from those causing cancer. However, infection with one strain doesn’t preclude infection with others.

How does HPV vaccination impact cancer prevention?

HPV vaccination has shown significant promise in reducing cancer rates. Studies have demonstrated that widespread vaccination can lead to:

• A reduction in cervical pre-cancers by 40% among vaccinated women
• Decreased rates of anal and oropharyngeal cancers in vaccinated populations
• Potential for nearly complete elimination of cervical cancer with high vaccination rates and continued screening

Living with Genital Warts: Psychological and Social Impacts

Beyond the physical symptoms, genital warts can have significant psychological and social impacts on those affected. Understanding and addressing these aspects is crucial for comprehensive care and support.

Common psychological effects may include:

• Anxiety and depression
• Feelings of shame or embarrassment
• Decreased self-esteem
• Fear of rejection by sexual partners
• Concerns about future fertility or health

It’s important for individuals diagnosed with genital warts to seek support, whether through counseling, support groups, or open communication with healthcare providers and trusted individuals.

How can individuals cope with the psychological impact of genital warts?

Coping strategies may include:

• Educating oneself about the condition to dispel myths and reduce anxiety
• Seeking professional counseling or therapy
• Joining support groups to connect with others facing similar challenges
• Practicing self-care and stress-reduction techniques
• Open communication with partners about the condition and its management

Genital Warts and Pregnancy: Special Considerations

Pregnancy can present unique challenges for individuals with genital warts. The hormonal changes and altered immune function during pregnancy can affect the course of HPV infection and the appearance of warts.

Key considerations for pregnant individuals with genital warts include:

• Increased likelihood of wart growth or recurrence during pregnancy
• Limited treatment options due to potential risks to the fetus
• Possible need for cesarean delivery if warts obstruct the birth canal
• Small risk of vertical transmission to the infant during vaginal delivery

It’s crucial for pregnant individuals with genital warts to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop an appropriate management plan that balances maternal and fetal health.

What treatment options are safe during pregnancy?

Safe treatment options for genital warts during pregnancy may include:

• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) application
• Surgical excision in severe cases

Topical medications like imiquimod or podofilox are typically avoided during pregnancy due to limited safety data.

Future Directions in Genital Wart Prevention and Treatment

As research continues, new approaches to preventing and treating genital warts are being explored. These advancements hold promise for more effective management of HPV infections and their associated complications.

Emerging areas of research include:

• Development of therapeutic vaccines to treat existing HPV infections
• Improved diagnostic tools for early detection of high-risk HPV strains
• Novel topical treatments with enhanced efficacy and fewer side effects
• Strategies to boost the immune response against HPV
• Personalized treatment approaches based on individual genetic factors

These ongoing research efforts aim to reduce the burden of genital warts and HPV-related diseases globally.

How might future treatments improve outcomes for individuals with genital warts?

Potential improvements in genital wart management may include:

• Reduced recurrence rates through more effective clearance of the virus
• Shorter treatment durations with faster resolution of symptoms
• Decreased risk of HPV-related cancers through improved prevention and early intervention
• Enhanced quality of life for affected individuals through more tolerable treatments and reduced psychological impact

Genital warts | NHS inform

Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

This virus is passed on through direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has HPV on their skin. It can be passed from person to person during vaginal and anal sex. It’s also rarely passed on through oral sex.

How do you get genital warts?

You get genital warts by touching your genitals with someone else’s genitals who carries the HPV virus. The virus may be present on the skin but no actual warts can be seen.

You can get warts even if you use condoms or don’t have penetrative sex, as a condom does not cover all of the genital skin.

Symptoms of genital warts

If you have genital warts, you may notice lumps or growths around your vagina, penis or anus that were not there before. However, you can carry the virus without developing actual warts.

You may develop symptoms years after you have been in contact with the virus so it isn’t possible to know when you came in contact with HPV.

It’s common for warts to appear or re-appear during pregnancy due to a change in how the immune system manages the virus.

Testing for genital warts

A healthy immune system is usually able to clear the virus, or suppress it, over time. This means that eventually the warts would be cured.

If you think you may have genital warts you should make an appointment with your GP or contact your local sexual health services.

It’s important that warts are diagnosed by a doctor or nurse.

Online appointment booking

You may be able to book an appointment for an STI test online using the online booking system. This varies for different NHS board areas.

Treating genital warts

Treatment for genital warts needs to be prescribed by a doctor or nurse.

The type of treatment you’ll be offered depends on what your warts are like. The doctor or nurse will discuss this with you. Treatment options include:

• cream or liquid
• freezing
• surgery

Cream or liquid

You can usually apply this to the warts yourself a few times a week for several weeks.

Freezing

A doctor or nurse freezes the warts with liquid nitrogen, usually every week for 4 weeks.

Surgery

A doctor or nurse can cut, burn or laser the warts off. This is usually only recommended if the warts are not responding or are too large for cream or freezing. Side effects of these treatments include:

• bleeding
• wound infection
• scarring

Recurring genital warts

Warts can come back after you have managed to get rid of them. This may happen weeks, months or years after they first appeared.

You can try and prevent this by keeping yourself and your immune system as healthy as possible by eating well and exercising.

Smoking reduces your chances of clearing the virus, so it is advised you stop smoking.

In some people the treatment doesn’t work. There’s no cure for genital warts but it’s possible for your body to clear the virus over time.

Avoiding passing on genital warts to a partner

Using a condom every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex is the best way to avoid passing on genital warts to a partner. However, if the virus is present on skin not protected by a condom, it can still be passed on.

Your doctor or nurse may advise you to avoid sex while you’re having treatment for genital warts.

Reducing the risk of genital warts

To reduce your risk of getting genital warts you should use a condom for vaginal, anal and oral sex.

You can get warts even if you use condoms, as a condom does not cover the whole genital area.

The HPV vaccination will reduce your risk of getting HPV virus which causes warts.

HPV and cancer

Genital warts are not cancer and don’t cause cancer. They’re caused by a different strain of HPV.

The HPV vaccine offered to girls and boys in the UK to protect against cervical cancer also protects against genital warts.

The HPV vaccine is also offered to men who have sex with men (MSM) and trans people aged up to 45 years.

If you didn’t have the vaccine at school and don’t fulfil the above eligibility criteria, you can purchase the vaccine privately.

Speak to your GP or local sexual health clinic for further information.

Other STIs

If you’ve been diagnosed with genital warts it’s recommended that you’re tested for all STIs including:

• chlamydia
• gonorrhoea
• syphilis
• HIV

Genital Warts | STD Symptoms, Treatment and Removal

In This Section

• Genital Warts

• What are the symptoms of genital warts?

• Do I have genital warts?

• How do I get treated for genital warts?

• How can I prevent getting or spreading genital warts?

What are Genital Warts?

Genital warts are common and are caused by certain types of HPV. Genital warts can be annoying, but they’re treatable and aren’t dangerous.

Genital warts are caused by HPV

Genital warts show up on the skin around your genitals and anus. They’re caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). You might’ve heard that some types of HPV can cause cancer, but they’re NOT the same kinds that give you genital warts.

HPV can be a tricky STD to understand. It’s the most common STD, but most of the time it goes away on its own. Sometimes certain types of “high-risk” HPV can develop into cancer if left untreated. Other “low-risk” types of HPV can cause warts on your vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis or scrotum. Genital warts are common — about 360,000 people get them each year.

How do you get genital warts?

You get genital warts from having skin-to-skin contact with someone who’s infected, often during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Genital warts can be spread even if no one cums, and a penis doesn’t have to go inside a vagina or anus to get them. You can spread them even when you don’t have any visible warts or other symptoms, though that’s less common. You can also pass genital warts to a baby during vaginal childbirth, but that’s pretty rare.

Genital warts are different from warts you might get elsewhere on your body. So you can’t get genital warts by touching yourself (or a partner) with a wart that’s on your hand or foot.

You’re more likely to pass genital warts when you’re having symptoms. So if you notice a wart, it’s best to get tested and treated to help lower the risk of passing genital warts on to a partner.

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Papillomas on the genitals – how to have sex with HPV?

Human papillomavirus is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. A certain percentage of people live with a virus that does not manifest itself in a latent state, not even knowing about its presence in the body. But in some cases, HPV causes inconvenience. For example, the manifestation of a virus in the form of warts or genital warts on the genitals is perceived as an aesthetic defect. But even this is not the true threat of the disease. At first glance, a safe papilloma on the genitals can be reborn and take on a malignant form. In this case, the diagnosis is cancer. Can these risks be prevented?

Important: The International Agency for Research on Cancer identifies 1.5 dozen strains of papillomavirus that lead to the development of cancer. The most dangerous (up to 90% of cancer cases) are the 16th and 18th types of the virus.

Specialists of the Lazersvit Mole Diagnostic Center talk about the causes of genital papillomas, about threats and effective methods of dealing with them. The leading specialized clinic in Kharkov offers services for the diagnosis and treatment of HPV on the genitals. You can make an appointment and consultation with a dermatologist by phone. In the meantime, doctors of a medical institution answer the most common questions related to genital HPV.

How does HPV show up on the genitals?

Genital papilloma may appear as a small bump, epidermal hair, or pedunculated ball. It can be a single growth or a group of formations in the intimate area, a flat wart or a large growth, similar in shape to a cauliflower. Their location unites them – neoplasms occur in the anorectal zone, in the perineum, on the scrotum and directly on the penis in men, on the labia and in the vagina in women.

Important: HPV strains that cause papillomas of the vagina, labia, scrotum and head of the penis rarely cause growths on the oral mucosa. These are papillomaviruses 6, 11, 16, 18, 33, 35 and some other types. Laboratory tests can determine the exact strain of the virus. Well, such a symptom as growths on the inside of the lips and cheeks should be the reason for going to the doctor.

Diagnosis and clinical manifestations

Diagnosis of the disease is carried out by visual examination and laboratory tests of blood, skin, and mucosal tissues. In general, a gynecologist, dermatologist, urologist, or other healthcare professional only needs to look at the genital area to suspect an infection. After all, as mentioned above, the human papillomavirus on the genitals is manifested by ugly growths.

Important: HPV enters the body through microtrauma of the skin and mucous membranes. He can “sleep” for several months and even years. In people with strong immunity, doctors often record self-healing. Well, with weak protective functions of the body or under the influence of adverse factors, the virus is activated. Genital papillomas appear in men and women.

Clinical manifestations of pathology is the chaotic division of epithelial cells. Many patients complain of discharge, itching. But the main symptom of the disease is warts that grow at the entrance or even inside the vagina in women, in the region of the labia minora, near or inside the anus, around the genitals in men.

To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe a cytology of cervical tissue samples, PCR testing, smears for concomitant sexual infections.

Papillomas on the genitals: the causes of the development of pathology

The most common route of infection is direct contact, in which the skin and mucous membranes of the carrier of the virus and a healthy person come into contact. As a rule, this is sexual contact. Although there is a risk of infection of the child from the mother, the household method is through personal hygiene items. You can also get HPV in common areas – a pool, a shower.

Important: With each new sexual partner, the risk of infection for a healthy person increases by 20%. Unfortunately, standard protective equipment used during sexual intercourse does not protect against HPV, since latex products do not protect all parts of the genitals from contact.

The causes of infection are not as important as the methods of dealing with it. After all, the risk of direct or domestic infection is very high. The main thing is to start treatment on time to avoid complications. It is noteworthy that Western scientists understand the importance of the problem. Up to 6 billion dollars a year is allocated for HPV research and development of new treatment protocols in the USA alone. But a drug that will cure the virus once and for all has not been found. However, even today’s methods of combating pathology are quite effective if they are contacted in a specialized medical institution in a timely manner.

Why are papillomas on the genitals dangerous?

The disease must be treated. This is a strong recommendation, both from specialists of the World Health Organization and leading dermatologists and oncologists of Ukraine. In addition to the fact that papilloma on the labia or papilloma on the penis looks extremely unattractive, the disease, as mentioned above, is also dangerous.

Let’s start small. When wearing tight underwear, during hygiene procedures, during intimate caresses, the growth can be injured. And this is fraught with bleeding and the addition of a secondary infection.

Important: The intimate area becomes ugly. This can cause disgust on the part of the sexual partner. Without treatment of the pathology, the area where the growths are located can increase. Gradually, new areas of the skin are involved. The formations grow, after a while they can interfere with urination and defecation.

With an unfavorable outcome of HPV in the vagina, on the penis, it can take a malignant form. Condyloma, which was benign yesterday, can become an oncological tumor with metastasis to the pelvic organs tomorrow. That is why the problem should not be ignored.

Important: HPV aggressive species causes cancer of the cervix, small lips, vagina, penis and anus.

How to get rid of genital papillomas?

Despite the scale of research and understanding of the problem by the medical scientific community, it is not possible to develop specific drugs for the treatment of HPV, as already mentioned. Some countries offer vaccination against the virus at an early age. However, high positive results cannot be achieved by such a measure. After all, the vaccine works for a fairly short time, and the risk of infection is present throughout life.

Important: The HPV vaccine can only protect at a certain stage. For example, young people who have not reached puberty and who have not had sexual intercourse in the past are offered to use this type of protection against the virus. Indeed, it is in adolescence, in which the first sexual experience is acquired, that the greatest change of sexual partners is noted, weakened immunity is diagnosed, and infection most often occurs.

But if you failed to protect yourself from the virus, you can fight it. An integrated approach to treatment includes:

• measures to strengthen the immune system, because the body’s internal defenses can suppress the activity of the virus;
• taking antiviral drugs that chemically inhibit the spread of the virus;
• removal of papillomas on the genitals, in the oral cavity and on other parts of the body.

Important: When HPV is detected in one partner in a couple, treatment is carried out in two, because the risk that both are infected is more than 80%. An adequate gentle treatment program is developed for an individual patient or couple, taking into account the manifestations of the disease and the type of virus identified through laboratory tests.

There is a chance of self-healing, but it is quite low. And not in a couple where there will be constant relapses. At the same time, a well-chosen doctor’s treatment tactics allows you to get rid of the pathology quickly enough.

Important: It is strongly not recommended to remove papillomas at home, since the use of aggressive media based on vinegar, iodine is dangerous to health. Extensive tissue burns may form at the site of exposure. In this case, self-treatment will not bring the desired result. After all, the skin neoplasm must be removed completely “under the root”. Only in this case it will not grow again.

Do not try to treat warts at home or in a beauty salon. Such treatment does not give a complete picture of the state of human health. The type of virus is not determined, antiviral therapy is not carried out. So, the symptoms are only muffled, and the problem is aggravated.

Medical methods for the treatment of genital and other types of papillomas are:

• Radio wave method.
• Laser method.
• Use of liquid nitrogen.

The best of them today is the burning of neoplasms with a laser. Safe, bloodless and painless method has virtually no contraindications. One or two warts are removed in 5 minutes. Hospitalization of the patient is not required, as the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Immediately after the micro-operation, a person can return to his usual way of life.

The laser burns pathological tissues completely and without a trace. There are no scars or scars on the skin. Papilloma on the genitals or in the perineum is removed forever. It is enough to look at the photo of the skin before and after the procedure to be sure of this.

You can learn more about laser wart removal at the Lazersvit clinic at the appointment. You can sign up for a consultation right now at a convenient time for you.

How are genital papillomas removed in men?

Many men are embarrassed by warts on the penis and try to remove them at home with various aggressive media. This is a detrimental practice with a high risk of complications. A secondary infection may be added to the skin burn. In this case, the treatment will be long. At the same time, HPV of the penis is easy to get rid of if you contact a specialized medical institution.

Our clinic employs qualified dermatologists who clearly know how to treat the papilloma virus on the penis. Be sure that in a fairly short period of time there will be no trace of the pathology.

We use a laser method that allows you to act on the overgrown epidermal tissues. Neighboring tissues are not damaged. And since the capillaries are immediately cauterized, there is no bleeding.

How are genital papillomas removed in women?

Due to the peculiarities of the structure of the female genital organs, the removal of papillomas in women is somewhat more difficult. The papilloma virus on the genitals in women often spreads not only to the external genital organs, but also to the vagina, to the cervix. Therefore, the removal of warts after a thorough examination, tissue sampling, with an external manifestation, is carried out by a dermatologist, and with an internal manifestation, a gynecologist conducts. Any independent attempts to get rid of papillomas are unacceptable and dangerous.

Sex life with HPV

It is not recommended to have sex if papillomas have appeared on the genitals, because the formations are contagious, and infection occurs during sexual intercourse. A condom will not protect your partner from infection. The best option is to remove genital warts and only later return to sexual activity.

Human papillomavirus and head and neck cancer: what do you need to know?

This information will help you understand what human papillomavirus is and how it can cause head and neck cancer.

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What is human papillomavirus?

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a virus that can infect the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, genitals, and anal area. HPV infection is widespread. Most people with HPV don’t develop any symptoms and their immune system gets rid of the virus without any treatment. In some cases, HPV can lead to cancer. We don’t know why some people get rid of HPV before it causes cancer and others don’t.

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Are there different types of HPV?

Yes, there are different types of HPV. Some types of this virus cause warts to grow on the skin, in the mouth, or on the genitals. Other types can lead to cancer. They are called high risk types. High-risk HPV can cause a variety of cancers, including cancer of the cervix and vulva in women, the penis in men, and the anus. The most common type is cervical cancer. That’s why women get a cervical smear (also called a Pap test to check for cervical cancer), which includes a test for HPV.

High-risk HPV can also cause head and neck cancer in men and women.

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How do people get HPV?

HPV can enter your body when your skin or mucous membranes come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes of an infected person. This usually happens during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with a person who has the virus. Because HPV is so widespread, it is difficult to know when the infection entered the body and who transmitted it. Moreover, the first symptoms of HPV may appear several years after having sex with an infected person. For this reason, it is difficult to find out when you were first infected.

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Am I contagious?

HPV is not transmitted by physical contact (such as touching and kissing on the cheek or lips), but you can get HPV through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. This means that if you have HPV, then your sexual partners may also have the virus. Because most people get rid of the infection on their own, it’s very unlikely that your partner will get cancer caused by HPV, even with a high-risk type. If you are diagnosed with HPV-related cancer, you do not need to change your sexual behavior in any way.

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Can HPV be cured?

There is currently no cure for HPV. Most people infected with HPV get rid of the virus without any treatment.

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Should my partner be tested for HPV?

• Women should follow the usual women’s health advice, which includes regular cervical smears.
• Men do not need to undergo any special examinations or tests, as there are no regular or standard HPV tests for them.

Your partner is very unlikely to develop cancer caused by HPV. If you have symptoms or concerns, your partner should discuss this with their doctor.

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What can I do to avoid contracting HPV and passing it on to another person?

Condoms and rubber dams (a thin, rectangular sheet of latex or silicone that covers the genitals of a woman who has oral sex) are not as effective against HPV as they are against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but their use can reduce the chance of transmission of HPV. Always use condoms or rubber dams during vaginal, anal or oral sex.

You should also get vaccinated against HPV and encourage your partner to do the same.

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Should I be vaccinated against HPV?

Anyone between the ages of 9 and 26 can get the HPV vaccine to protect against genital warts and different types of HPV that can cause cancer. Children are recommended to be vaccinated at 11–12 years of age so that they are protected several years before they become sexually active.

Usually this vaccine is not given to people over 26 years of age. However, regardless of your age, talk to your doctor to see if the HPV vaccine might benefit you.

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If I am already infected with HPV, can I be cured with the vaccine?

If you already have HPV, getting vaccinated won’t help you get better, but it can protect you from other types of HPV.

If you have HPV, talk to your doctor or nurse to find out what tests or treatment you need.

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How does HPV cause head and neck cancers?

We don’t know for sure how HPV causes head and neck cancers. Most people with high-risk HPV will not have cancer. However, some people fail to get rid of HPV. In this case, the virus is able to cause damage that will eventually lead to the development of a tumor. It often takes years for HPV-infected cells to turn into cancerous cells. It is impossible to predict who will clear the infection and who will develop cancer. Most head and neck cancers caused by HPV form in the part of the throat where the root of the tongue and tonsils are located.

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How can I find out if HPV is causing my cancer?

During the diagnosis of head and neck cancer, the tumor can be checked for HPV. This is currently the only way to know if HPV is causing cancer.

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Can I get another type of cancer because of HPV?

The risk of developing a second type of cancer due to HPV is low, but your doctor will continue to check you regularly. Be sure to tell your doctor about any new symptoms or concerns.

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Does having HPV affect my treatment or my chances of being cured?

People whose head and neck cancer is caused by HPV respond better to treatment than people whose HPV does not cause head and neck cancers. However, both types of cancer are treated in the same way. Treatment decisions are made based on the size and location of the tumor, the stage of the disease, and the person’s overall health. Scientists are currently investigating whether changes should be made to cancer treatment if it is associated with HPV.

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What about tobacco and alcohol?

People who smoke and drink alcohol are more likely to develop head and neck cancer. However, cancers caused by HPV can develop whether you drink alcohol or use tobacco-containing products. People with cancer, non-smokers and non-drinkers live longer and are less likely to develop new cancers. For this reason, people with head and neck cancer should stop smoking and limit their alcohol intake. If you need help breaking these habits, MSK can help you. Ask your doctor or nurse for more information about our programs, or call the Counseling Center at 646-888-0200.

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Resources

There is a lot of information on the Internet about HPV and cancer, but sometimes it is contradictory and unreliable.