Common Symptoms of HPV

HPV stands for human papillomavirus. HPV is a general term for a group of over 100 viruses that are spread through skin-to-skin contact in which a virus enters the body through a scrape or cut in the skin. HPV may occur with or without symptoms, and the symptoms vary depending on which specific virus is contracted.

Genital Warts

Genital warts are a symptom of sexually transmitted HPV. These warts can appear on the penis, vagina, anus and other surrounding areas.

Genital Lesions

HPV can cause abnormal cells to grow in the genital area. These lesions can be low-grade or high-grade pre-malignancies. Low-grade lesions usually revert back into normal cells, whereas high-grade lesions often develop into cancer.

Other Warts

Common warts, plantar warts and flat warts can all be caused by human papillomavirus. These warts, which can appear anywhere on the body, are contracted when a person comes into contact with the virus through a number of possible ways such as sharing razors or towels.

Oral and Upper Respiratory Lesions

Another symptom of HPV is the growth of abnormal cells (in the form of warts or lesions) in the areas of the mouth, throat and nose.

Cancer

Cancer of the reproductive areas can be a symptom of HPV. Cervical cancer is the most common form of cancer that is caused by this virus.

References

• HPV Symptoms
• Genital HPV Infection - CDC Fact Sheet