Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV infection usually results in the formation of skin or mucous membrane warts. There are over 100 different types of HPV, transmitted through direct skin-to-skin or sexual contact. Most infections clear on their own, but persistent infection with certain high-risk types can lead to cellular changes and cancer, most notably cervical cancer.

Many HPV infections cause no symptoms. When present, low-risk types produce warts on the skin or in the genital and anal regions, while high-risk types are usually silent and detected only through screening. Persistent high-risk infection can cause precancerous changes in the cervix and other tissues.

Genital warts are usually diagnosed by visual inspection. Cervical screening detects cellular abnormalities, and HPV DNA testing can identify high-risk viral types. Biopsy may be used to assess suspicious or precancerous lesions.