The human papillomavirus (hpv) comes in various strains. Some of these strains have definite symptoms while others do not. This in essence means symptoms of HPV might not be a conclusive method of determining whether you have the virus or not. The different types of HPV have symptoms associated with either genital warts or cancer. It is a proven fact that symptoms responsible for genital warts do not cause cancer and vice versa.
Below are several symptoms common with most HPV strains:
Genital warts – These appear on, in and around the genital area. They can appear a few weeks or years after infection. Type 6 and 11 are the HPV strains responsible for these warts. They are found around the anus, on the cervix, vagina and vulva concerning women. The penis, anal region and scrotum play host in men. They are also painless and non-cancerous. Genital lesions- Type 16 and 18 HPV strains are responsible for precancerous lesions. These do not resolve with time and instead fester to become full-blown cancers of the vagina, vulva and cervix.
Cervical cancer – Very few HPV strains go on to become cancerous. Despite this, if a patient has a prolonged infection, he/she has a very real risk of cancer. It is a documented fact that almost all cases of cervical cancer are because of HPV infection. Hpv type 16 and 18 may also cause mouth, anus or genital cancer. Oral and upper respiratory lesions- HPV strains that are classified as low risk e.g. type 6 and 11 may lead to the formation of lesions on the larynx, soft palate and the tongue.
Flat and plantar wart s- Flat warts will appear darker than your skin color and they will be found on the neck, hands, knees and elbows. Plantar warts on the other hand will be found on the heel and other areas of the body that are usually under pressure. They may be painful in some instances.
