Warts -- And Cancer
The warts commonly seen on the skin are caused by a viral infection. This is caused by HPVs (human papilloma viruses) that can be spread from person to person or be acquired through contact with a contaminated surface.
Over 100 types of HPVs have been identified that infect skin or mucous membranes, depending on the virus type. HPV types that infect skin lead to the development of common skin warts .
It is estimated that well over 50% of sexually active adults are carriers of one of these viruses. Some estimate carriers of HPV to be 75%. That means that statistically three out of four of your sexual partners is likely to be infected, even unknowingly. Men and women are equally affected. The chance of being a carrier increases with the number of sexual partners.
Infection with HPV is now considered to be the most common STD - Sexually Transmitted Disease in the United States.
It is also the leading cause of abnormal PAP smears and pre- cancerous changes of the cervix in women. Even though there are reports of pre-cancerous changes occurring on the skin of the male penis, the incidence is insignificant compared to the large number of women who experience pre-cancerous changes of the cervix.
HPVs have gained widespread attention for their proven role in the development of genital and anal cancers, particularly cancer of the cervix. Specific “high risk” types of HPV that infect the mucosal tissue that lines the genital area are responsible for these carcinogenic (cancer-causing) effects.
Only a very small percentage of those infected will develop genital cancer. This is because HPV infection is only one factor in the process; cigarette smoking and the immune system are also important.
“High risk” HPVs have also been implicated in the development of a subset of head and neck cancers that develop in the area of the tonsils.
There are also “low risk” HPV types that lead to the development of benign lesions in the genital area, such as genital warts. Some of these HPV types infect skin and cause warts in various locations on the body. Other HPV types cause benign growths, or papillomas, on the vocal cords.
Having an infection with the types of HPV that cause benign skin warts does not increase a person’s risk of developing genital cancer. In other words, the types of virus that cause warts on the skin do NOT cause genital cancer.
The HPV infection responsible for warts is spread by direct contact with an infected person or through indirect contact from contaminated surfaces such as bathing facilities, clothing, or towels. Since a wart generally appears after a few months or even longer after the infection with HPV, it can be difficult or impossible to determine exactly where and when an HPV infection occurred.
It is also possible for persons to be infected with HPV -- and spread the infection to others -- without having any evidence of warts themselves. People who have warts in one location of the body can also spread the infection to other body parts.
The HPV viruses can cause unsightly genital warts that are frequently difficult to eradicate. In a woman under stress or who has a poor immune system, the warts can be very tenacious. Most warts appear on the genitals as fleshy, firm elevations of the skin, similar to warts found on other parts of the body. These genital warts are usually not accompanied by other symptoms, however, sometimes, they can cause mild itching. Some warts can be so small as to be detectable only with magnification. Others can become so large as to prevent intercourse or childbirth. However, the incidence of large warts obstructing the birth canal, necessitating cesarean sections for the delivery of babies, is rare.
Even in the absence of warts, the HPV viruses can cause chronic itching or pain around the genital openings. The pain around the genitals can be aggravated by intercourse or touching. Topical treatments with creams and ointments are usually ineffective.
Current mainstream treatments for this chronic condition include laser surgery, injections of certain medications, or non-intervention in an attempt to allow the problem to resolve on its own over time. Even with treatment, the problem can persist for years and affect the patient both physically and emotionally.
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