Avoid sharing towels and other personal items.Treat and cover a wart until it disappears.Use footwear in public areas, such as pools and locker rooms, if warts are present on the feet.To help prevent the warts from spreading: Not have sex while genital warts are present.Use barrier protection every time they have sex.To reduce the risk of contracting HPV, a person can: Home HPV kits are available for purchase online. If a person has receptive anal sex, a doctor may recommend an anal Pap smear.Ī person can also test for HPV at home, but it is important to see a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. Some experts have called for more testing, especially for men who have sex with men. There is currently no routine screening for HPV in males, and the range of testing options is limited. It can reveal any cellular abnormalities that may lead to cancer.Ī DNA test can evaluate for high-risk types of HPV, and a doctor may use it alongside a Pap smear.Ī biopsy, which involves taking a sample of affected skin, may be necessary if a test reveals unusual cell changes. Tests for HPV or related cervical cellular changes include:Ī Pap smear, also called a cervical smear, involves collecting and testing cells from the surface of the cervix or vagina. Also, tests can confirm the presence of the virus. If warts or lesions are visible, a doctor can usually diagnose HPV with a visual examination. The best course of treatment will depend on the type of cancer, its stage, and the age and overall health of the person. Routine screening can lead to an early diagnosis, and receiving prompt treatment can prevent the cancer from spreading. oropharynx, includng the base of the tongue and the tonsils.The infection can increase the risk of developing cancer of the: In the U.S., around 3% of all cancers in females and 2% of all cancers in males stem from HPV. It may take 10–20 years for a tumor to develop, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). However, if the immune system is unable to do this, the cells can stay in the body and continue to grow. In many people, the immune system defeats the unwanted cells. ![]() Most people with HPV do not develop cancer, but the infection can increase the risk, especially in people with weakened immune systems.Ī high-risk strain of HPV can change the way that cells communicate with each other, and this can cause them to grow in an uncontrolled way. Plantar warts are hard, grainy growths that often form on the feet, usually on the heels or balls of the feet.įlat warts, meanwhile, are flat-topped, slightly raised lesions that are darker than the surrounding skin and often appear on the face or neck. HPV can also cause common warts, plantar warts, and flat warts.Ĭommon warts are rough, raised bumps that tend to form on the hands, fingers, and elbows. These warts can cause itching, burning, and other discomfort. white, pink, red, purplish-brown, or skin-colored.These warts can range in size and appearance, and they may be: Specifically, HPV can cause: Genital wartsĪ person may have one small skin bump, a cluster of bumps, or stem-like protrusions. Some types of the virus cause warts to form, while others can increase the risk of cancer. ![]() ![]() Symptoms of HPV may appear years after the initial infection. Treatments can remove warts, but the virus will remain in the body and remain transmissible. The best option will depend upon the type and location of the wart.
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