Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that is associated with 34,000 cancers annually, including cervical cancer, anal cancer, head and neck cancer, and throat cancer.

What are the symptoms of HPV?

HPV may cause genital warts, or small bumps in the genital area. In many cases, however, women will not experience any symptoms of HPV. That is why it is important to receive regular cervical cancer screening, which can detect precancerous cell changes caused by persistent HPV infection. If you are experiencing these symptoms and would like to discuss them with your healthcare provider, please reach out to your primary care physician, gynecologist or OB/GYN.

How is HPV diagnosed?

Your doctor will collect cells from your cervix, as in a Pap smear, to check for abnormalities or cancer cells.

If you receive a positive or abnormal HPV test, your doctor may recommend:

• Colposcopy exam

• Biopsy

• Removal of abnormal cells

If you have cervical cancer, Hoag Family Cancer Center, our top-ranked gynecologic oncologists, surgeons, scientists, nurse navigators, radiation oncologists, pathologists, therapists, pharmacists, social workers, rehabilitation therapists and more work shoulder to shoulder to provide you with comprehensive, coordinated care.

How is HPV treated?

There is no treatment for the virus itself, and you may have to wait until your immune system clears the virus. Treatment of genital warts caused by HPV include prescription medication and procedures to remove warts and abnormal cells. If left untreated, genital warts may grow in size or number.

Can HPV be prevented?

Yes. In addition to safe sex measures, such as condom use, there is a safe and effective vaccine that pediatricians recommend beginning at around age 11 or 12. The vaccine was originally approved by the FDA for women and girls between the ages of 9 to 26, however, people can get vaccinated up to the age of 45. A large study of vaccinated women showed a 90% reduction in the rate of cervical cancer.