What is HPV Virus Infection?

HPV Virus Overview

HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, can lead to various diseases upon infection, including common warts, flat warts, genital warts, cervicitis, and cervical cancer. HPV is classified into high-risk and low-risk types, each associated with different diseases, as detailed below:

Low-Risk HPV

Low-risk HPV types typically cause conditions such as common warts, flat warts, and genital warts. In the early stages of infection, these manifest as small, faint red papules. As the condition progresses, the papules tend to grow larger and more numerous, becoming harder in texture with raised, cauliflower-like surfaces.

High-Risk HPV

Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types can potentially affect cervical epithelial cells, leading to cervicitis or even cervical cancer, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, and vaginal cancer. In males, HPV infection can also increase the risk of penile cancer. Upon HPV infection, it is recommended to undergo cervical liquid-based cytology. If abnormalities are detected during this process, a colposcopy or cervical tissue biopsy may be advised to guide further treatment plans based on the test results.