Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a family of viral infections of the skin. The American Social Health Association (ASHA) points out that nearly 70 different strains of HPV exist. Some strains cause warts on the hands or feet and others cause genital warts. Being infected with HPV does not mean warts are absolutely likely to occur. In fact, some individuals may have no symptoms of the virus or may experience other complications, like cervical cancer.
Genital Warts
One obvious sign of HPV is the development of genital warts. Physically, a wart appears like a small bump or group of bumps in the genital area, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The exact appearance of the bumps can vary from raised or flat to being shaped like cauliflower. A health care provider can easily examine the bumps and make a diagnosis.
The warts may disappear on their own or require medical treatment or removal. The warts often appear within a few weeks or months of having sexual contact with another individual infected with HPV. Warts may reappear after the first outbreak or they may never come back.
Cervical Cancer
Symptoms of cervical cancer do not usually appear until it has progressed for quite some time. Annual screenings are done for this very reason. Women who see a medical professional every year to receive a Pap test are likely to benefit from early detection of cervical cancer. HPV can cause the Pap test results to come back as irregular, suggesting there are precancerous cells. Follow-up tests and exams can be done at this point to treat the issue and even prevent the virus from leading to cancer, explains the CDC.
Epigee Pregnancy Resoruces suggests watching for signs of cervical cancer that include abnormal vaginal bleeding (especially after sex), pain in the lower back, pain while urinating and pain during sex. These symptoms are not indicative of cervical cancer alone but should be reported to a medical care provider.
Other Signs
HPV is usually resolved by the body within two years. In some cases the virus can cause other health problems. HPV can cause cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus and head and neck, states the CDC. Signs of these cancers do not usually appear until the condition has become advanced. An individual diagnosed with these cancers may also test positive for HPV, should this screening be done. Penile cancer is so rare that screening is impossible, explains the ASHA.
Raised, flesh-colored bumps on the hands, feet or other areas of the skin are often identified as warts. Some strains of HPV cause warts. These type of warts cannot be transmitted from the hands to the genitals to cause genital warts. Over-the-counter and prescription treatment can help remove the bumps. In some cases, freezing or other medical removal is necessary.
