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HPV Lifespan

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has more than 100 strains. Some strains cause small, non-cancerous growths on the skin (warts), others can lead to cancer and some appear to do nothing.

  1. Transmission

    • HPV is a sexually transmitted disease spread through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has HPV.

    Symptoms

    • Different strains of HPV cause different symptoms. Many people with HPV will have no symptoms, but some will develop warts on hands, feet, genitals or other areas of the body. These warts can disappear and re-appear throughout the afflicted person's life.

    HPV and Cancer

    • The strains of HPV that can cause cancer are called high-risk strains. If the immune system does not eliminate a high-risk strain from the body, it can lead to cervical, vaginal, vulval, anal, penile or throat cancer.

    Diagnosis

    • Because HPV is so common, most people will not need to be tested for it. If you have warts, a doctor might diagnose you with HPV and remove the warts. Women should be tested for abnormal cervical cell changes by getting a Pap test at their regular gynecological examination. An HPV test is available for women older than 30 to test for high-risk strains of HPV.

    Treatment

    • HPV is a virus, so it cannot be cured by a doctor. If you have HPV warts, a doctor can remove them. Most people with healthy immune systems will eliminate the virus from their body within a few years, regardless of the strain.

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