The human papilloma virus or HPV has at least 100 versions that infect people. Of those, approximately a third can be causes of cancer. The National Institute of Health states that these strains of the HPV are sexually transmitted diseases. On the low end of these, the HPV can produce warts on your genitals. At the high end, they can produce such cancers in women as anal, vaginal and cervical cancer as well as cancer of the vulva. Men can get cancer of the penis and anus.
Genital Warts
While the Mayo Clinic reports that some forms of the HPV do not exhibit any symptoms, others do. These include genital warts. They are not cancerous in most cases. They appear as very small bumps or protrusions, or as lesions that are flat. The bumps may look like cauliflower while the protrusions look like stems. Men may get genital warts on their scrotums, anuses and penises. They may appear in women in the vagina, around the anus or, more commonly, they may be present on the vulva. The Mayo Clinic reports they usually do not induce pain or discomfort.
Genital Lesions
Other forms of the HPV may produce lesions that are termed precancerous. Some of these are not very serious and will heal themselves without becoming cancerous and no treatment is necessary. They may be found with a pap smear. Others, called high-grade abnormalities, can lead to cancer. In women this can include vulva, vaginal or cervical cancer.
Respiratory and Oral Lesions
Although not serious, some types of the human papilloma virus can produce lesions or warts in your nose, larynx, soft palate, tonsils and tongue.
Tumors
Infections that persist for two years or more often produce the greatest risk of cervical cancer. Symptoms of this in women include uncommon bleeding from the vagina that may include menstrual bleeding that is heavy and excessive. You also may experience bleeding that occurs between your normal periods. The Mayo Clinic reports that most cervical cancer cases are the result of infections of HPV.
Other Symptoms
Plantar, flat and common warts all may be the result of human papilloma virus infection. Plantar warts occur on the bottom of the foot and can be uncomfortable or painful. Flat warts have level tops that are raised slightly above your normal skin surface and generally are darker that the surrounding skin. They may occur in places such as your knees, elbows, hands, neck, face and wrists. Common warts also are not malignant and occur as bumps that are raised above your skin surface on your fingers and hands. Pain is possible with this kind of wart.
