Clinical Warts


Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the virus that causes genital warts. It is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the world. Experts estimate that as many as 26 million Americans are infected with HPV, and the rate of infection appears to be increasing. More than 60 types of HPV have been identified by scientists. About one-third of HPV types are spread through sexual contact and live only in genital areas of the body. Only one type of HPV causes genital warts. Other types of HPV cause cervical cancer and other genital cancers.

Like many sexually transmitted diseases, HPV usually causes a silent infection -- one that does not have visible symptoms. People may not be aware of their infection or the potential risk of transmission to others and of the complications because they don't know they have it.

Genital warts are are VERY CONTAGIOUS!

Symptoms
In women, the warts occur on the outside and inside of the vagina, on the cervix (the opening to the uterus), or around the anus. In men, genital warts are less common. If present, they are seen on the tip of the penis sometimes they are also found on the shaft of the penis, on the scrotum, or around the anus. Rarely, genital warts also can develop in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral sexual contact with an infected person. Genital warts often occur in clusters and can be very tiny or can spread into large masses on genital tissues. Left untreated, genital warts often disappear. In other cases, they eventually may develop a fleshy, small raised growth with a cauliflower-like appearance. Because there is no way to predict whether the warts will grow or disappear, people who suspect that they have genital warts should be examined and treated.

Incubation Period

About 2 to 3 months.

How Do You Know If You Have Them?
A health care provider usually can diagnose genital warts by direct visual examination. Women with genital warts also should be examined for possible HPV infection of the cervix. A Pap smear test also may indicate the possible presence of cervical HPV infection. A Pap smear is a microscopic examination of cells scraped from the uterine cervix in order to detect cervical cancer. (See our Pap Smear section for more info.) Abnormal Pap smear results are associated with HPV infection. Women with abnormal Pap smears should be examined further to detect and treat any cervical problems.

Treatment
Depending on factors such as their size and location, genital warts are treated in several ways. Treatments can eliminate the warts, but none totally kill the virus and warts often reappear after treatment. You should consult your health care provider if you find genital warts on yourself or on your sexual partner(s).

Treatments include podophyllin solution, which is applied to the affected area and later wash off. Small warts can be removed by cryosurgery (freezing), electrocautery (burning), or laser treatment. Occasionally, surgery is needed to remove large warts that have not responded to other treatment. Some health care providers use antiviral drugs which they inject directly into the warts, to treat warts that have recurred after removal by traditional means. The drug is expensive and does not reduce the rate of recurrence.

Complications
Low-risk papilloma viruses cause warts but not cervical cancer. High-risk viruses cause cervical cancer and also are associated with vulvar cancer, anal cancer, and cancer of the penis (a rare cancer). Although most HPV infections do not progress to cancer, it is particularly important for women who have cervical dysplasia to have regular Pap smears. Potentially precancerous cervical disease is readily treatable.

Prevention
The only way to prevent HPV infection is to avoid direct contact with the virus, which is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact. If warts are visible in the genital area, sexual contact should be avoided until the warts are treated. Using a latex condom during sexual intercourse may provide some protection.

Researchers are working to develop two types of HPV vaccines. One type would be used to prevent infection or disease (warts or precancerous tissue changes); another type would be used to treat cervical cancers. Clinical trials are in progress for both types of vaccines.

** Note **

Please remember that the information presented in this forum is for your education only, and is not intended to extend medical advice or diagnosis. If you have questions or feel that you may be experiencing symptoms similar to those presented, please call the Berkeley County Health Department at (304) 263-5131 or your primary care provider for formal medical attention.