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What Are the Signs & Symptoms of HPV?

There are more than 100 human papillomaviruses, or HPVs, and each can cause a variety of conditions. HPV infections are common: The Mayo Clinic estimates that more than 20 million people have some sort of genital HPV infection, and most people are exposed to common warts during childhood. The diagnosis for an HPV condition is done with a physical examination and a blood test. Treatment may include medication or surgery to remove the HPV warts and lesions.

  1. Genital Warts

    • Genital warts are a symptom of an HPV condition. These are generally noncancerous lumps that appear on the male or female sexual organs, and they can also spread to the anus. They vary in appearance: Genital warts can look like skin lesions, bumps with small white protrusions or tiny stems.

    Nose and throat

    • HPV warts can appear almost anywhere on the body, including inside and outside the nose and mouth, including on the soft palate, the tonsils and the throat or larynx.

    Cervical Cancer

    • One of the more dangerous HPV-related conditions is cervical cancer. In some cases, cervical cancer shows no symptoms at all and may only be discovered during a PAP test performed by your doctor. However, in some cases you may have heavier than normal menstrual bleeding and you might notice vaginal bleeding not associated with your normal monthly cycle. Any signs of abnormal vaginal bleeding should be reported to your doctor immediately.

    Plantar Warts

    • Plantar warts are an HPV-related condition that appear on the feet in the form of round growths on the soles. They can be extremely painful, and they can also make it difficult to walk. They are normally found on the ball of the foot just behind the big toe, and they can spread to other areas of the sole.

    Common Warts

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, most people are exposed to the HPVs that create common warts when they are very young. Yet only a small percentage of people actually develop common warts that are visible. These warts normally develop on the fingers or palms of the hand, and touching them can be painful. The common wart can bleed when it comes into contact with a hard surface.

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