HPV, or human papillomavirus, is an extremely common disease actually made up of over 100 different types. Many variants of HPV have no impact on health and show no outward symptoms. However, some variants do have some impact on health, putting anyone who catches them at risk for genital warts, cervical cancer or skin warts, depending on the specific strain. There is no cure for any strain of HPV, but in 70 to 90 percent of infections, the body clears the virus within two years, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
HPV 16 and HPV 18
The varieties of human papillomavirus called HPV 16 and HPV 18 are the ones that tend to be associated with cervical cancer. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, about 70 percent of cervical cancer is caused by an infection with one of these two variants of HPV. Often first spotted as high-grade lesions on a Pap smear, cervical cancer resulting from HPV 16 or HPV 18 infection can be deadly if left untreated. These variants may also cause warts or cancer in the mouth, nose, anus and genitals.
HPV 6 and HPV 11
HPV 6 and HPV 11 are the two variants most likely to cause genital warts, according to MayoClinic.com. Genital warts caused by HPV are typically painless and flat or cauliflower-like in appearance. They can infect the genitals of both males and females, appearing on the vulva, cervix, anus, penis or scrotum. Oral warts are also possible from infection with these variants.
HPV 6 and HPV 11 are considered sexually transmitted diseases. These two variants may also cause low-grade abnormalities seen on a Pap smear, but the cellular changes induced by HPV 6 and HPV 11 typically go away without treatment. It is possible, however, for HPV 6 and HPV 11 to develop into vulvar or vaginal cancer.
HPV 1
HPV 1 isn't a sexually transmitted disease. Instead, this variant of human papillomavirus causes common warts, plantar warts on the feet and palmar warts on the hands, according to "Merck Manual." Common warts may be round or irregular and can appear anywhere on the body. Plantar and palmar warts are often flat and can feel sore. All of the warts caused by HPV 1 can be treated with a topical solution or surgically removed.
Other HPV Variants
Other types of HPV are less common, but may still occasionally occur and cause health problems. HPV 2, 4, 7, 27, and 29 may be other causes of common warts in addition to HPV 1. The HPV types 16, 18, 33 and 39 sometimes cause benign, flat brown bumps in the genital area.
