HPV Symptoms in Women: Recognizing Signs, Undergoing Tests, and Pursuing Treatment
High-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections are a common yet often symptomless occurrence among sexually active women. Nearly everyone who becomes sexually active will contract HPV at some point, and about half of these infections are with high-risk types [1].
High-risk HPV may not present with any symptoms initially, but it can have serious consequences. These viruses can lead to several types of cancer, including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, oropharyngeal, and anal [1][2].
Genital Area (Cervix, Vulva, Vagina, Anus)
Most high-risk HPV infections in this area are asymptomatic and cleared by the immune system without any visible signs. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types can lead to precancerous lesions detected as abnormal changes on Pap smear tests [1].
Visible symptoms from low-risk HPV types, such as genital warts, are common. These are small, raised bumps that may appear single or clustered and can be itchy or uncomfortable. High-risk types rarely cause warts [1][3][4].
Over years, high-risk HPV can cause cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, and anus, typically without early symptoms until advanced stages [1][2][3][4][5].
Mouth and Throat (Oral HPV Infections)
High-risk HPV can infect the oropharynx (throat) but often without initial symptoms. Rarely, HPV causes warts (papillomas) in the mouth or throat, but these are uncommon [1][4].
If malignant transformation occurs, symptoms might include persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or lumps in the neck, but these usually develop late [1][4].
Larynx (Voice Box)
Infection with HPV types 6 and 11 (low-risk) can cause recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis, leading to wart-like growths on the larynx, potentially causing breathing difficulties and voice changes. High-risk types are rarely involved here [1].
Skin (Hands, Feet)
Low-risk HPV types cause common warts on hands and feet, but these are unrelated to high-risk HPV infections and cancer [1][4].
In summary, high-risk HPV infections in women generally do not cause visible warts or symptoms initially but can be detected by abnormal Pap smears related to precancerous cervical changes. Over time, persistent infections may lead to cancers in the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, or throat, which present with more serious symptoms only after advanced progression [2][3][5].
Regular screening via Pap tests and HPV testing is essential for early detection of high-risk HPV-related changes, as most infections remain asymptomatic until advanced disease stages. There is no cure for HPV, but doctors can treat conditions that HPV causes and remove precancerous cells [6].
A Pap test is an important procedure for women to undergo regularly to detect precancerous cells. The World Health Organization strongly recommends vaccination against HPV strains that cause cervical cancer for females aged 9-14 years and cervical screening for females aged 30 years and over [7].
[1] World Health Organization. (2021). Human papillomavirus (HPV). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papillomavirus-(hpv)
[2] American Cancer Society. (2021). What is cervical cancer? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/about/what-is-cervical-cancer.html
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). HPV and Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/index.htm
[4] National Cancer Institute. (2021). HPV and Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv/hpv-fact-sheet
[5] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Cervical cancer. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353746
[6] American Cancer Society. (2021). How is cervical cancer treated? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/treatment/index.html
[7] World Health Organization. (2021). HPV vaccines. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/immunization/diseases/hpv/en/
- High-risk HPV infections may not display any symptoms initially but can have severe repercussions, such as the development of various types of cancer.
- These viruses can cause cancer in the genital area (cervix, vagina, vulva, and anus), mouth and throat (oropharynx), and larynx (voice box).
- Most high-risk HPV infections in the genital area are asymptomatic, but persistent infections can lead to precancerous lesions that are identified through abnormal Pap smear tests.
- Low-risk HPV types typically cause visible symptoms like genital warts, but high-risk types seldom do.
- Over time, high-risk HPV can cause cancers to develop in the genital area, which only show advanced symptoms such as abnormal bleeding or growths.
- High-risk HPV can infect the oropharynx (throat) and, if malignant transformation occurs, symptoms might include persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or lumps in the neck.
- Low-risk HPV types cause common warts on the hands and feet, and these are unrelated to high-risk HPV infections or cancer.
- Regular screening through Pap tests and HPV testing is crucial for early detection of high-risk HPV-related changes, as most infections remain asymptomatic until advanced stages.
- The WHO recommends vaccination against HPV strains that cause cervical cancer for girls aged 9-14 years, and cervical screening for women aged 30 years and over.
- There is currently no cure for HPV, but treatments are available for conditions it causes and the removal of precancerous cells.
