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
- anogenital warts (relating to the anus and genitals)
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:
- cervix
- throat
- anus
- vagina
- vulva
- penis
HPV is responsible for nearly:
- 100% of cervical cancers
- 90% of anal cancers
- 60% to 73% of throat (oropharyngeal) cancers
- 40% to 50% of penile cancers
- 40% of vaginal and vulva cancers
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.
Learn more:
- Who is most at risk of getting HPV
- Cancer types (Canadian Cancer Society)
- Cervical cancer (Canadian Cancer Society)
- Precancerous conditions of the cervix (Canadian Cancer Society)
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:
- be small or large
- occur alone or in clusters
- occur in more than one area
- cause itching, discomfort or bleeding
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.
Learn more:
- Sexual and reproductive health
- Cancer types (Canadian Cancer Society)
- Cervical cancer (Canadian Cancer Society)
- Cervical cancer (World Health Organization)
- Precancerous conditions of the cervix (Canadian Cancer Society)
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.
Learn more:
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.
Learn more:
- Cancer types (Canadian Cancer Society)
- Treatments for cervical cancer (Canadian Cancer Society)
- Precancerous conditions of the cervix (Canadian Cancer Society)
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:
- cryotherapy (freezing the wart)
- applying a stronger topical treatment
- removing warts through surgery
You may need repeat treatments, as the warts can be difficult to treat and can come back.
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