Human papillomavirus (HPV): Symptoms and treatment

HPV is a group of over 200 types of related viruses. Around 40 of them infect the genital area, mouth and throat.

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Symptoms of HPV

Most people who have an HPV infection don't have symptoms.

Someone with an HPV infection who doesn't have symptoms can still spread HPV to a sexual partner.

HPV infections can cause:

Cancers and pre-cancerous lesions

The HPV types that are more likely to cause cancer are classified as high risk.

Infections with high-risk HPV types that don't go away can cause cells to become abnormal, which are called pre-cancerous lesions. A small percentage of these pre-cancerous lesions can progress to cancer.

Persistent infection with high-risk types can lead to cancer of the:

HPV is responsible for nearly:

In 2023, it was estimated that about 1,550 people in Canada were diagnosed with cervical cancer and about 400 died from cervical cancer. Over the past few decades, cancers of the throat caused by HPV have been rising in Canada and worldwide. Throat (oropharyngeal) cancer is now the most common type of HPV-related cancer in Canada.

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Anogenital warts

Anogenital warts are caused by certain low-risk HPV types. Low-risk HPV types have little risk of causing cancer.

Anogenital warts are a type of growth that can appear in the anal and genital area. They're usually skin-coloured, brown or pink, and may:

The low-risk HPV types can also cause a rare but serious condition where warts develop on the respiratory tract.

Having anogenital warts can impact your emotional and sexual health, and intimate relationships. Talk to a health care provider if you think you have them.

Diagnosing HPV

Pre-cancerous cervical lesions

For cervical cancer screening, your health care provider can give you a Pap test to detect abnormal cells in the cervix caused by HPV. An abnormal Pap test is often the first sign that some cells in the cervix are abnormal. This is because pre-cancerous cervical lesions usually don't cause any symptoms.

You may also be offered an HPV DNA test, which detects high-risk HPV types in cervical cells. Recommendations for cervical cancer screening may vary depending on where you live. Make sure to follow your provincial or territorial recommendations for regular testing.

There's no routine screening available to detect precancerous cells for other HPV-related cancers.

For more information, ask your health care provider or local public health unit.

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Anogenital warts

Your health care provider can diagnose anogenital warts with a visual inspection during a physical exam. The warts may be in places that are hard to see, such as inside the vagina or rectum.

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Treating HPV

Most HPV infections go away without treatment within a couple of years.

Treatments are available for anogenital warts or pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions.

Pre-cancerous lesions

Screening can find abnormal cells, allowing professionals to treat them before cancer develops. If screening finds cervical cancer early, treatments are generally very successful.

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Anogenital warts

The majority of anogenital warts will resolve over time, but there are treatments available to remove them. Warts can recur after treatment.

Treatments may vary depending on the number, size and location of the warts. Some treatments can be done at home using prescription creams or ointments. Other treatments are done by a health care provider, such as:

You may need repeat treatments, as the warts can be difficult to treat and can come back.

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