And is there a correlation with Cervical Cancer?
As a General Practitioner, I am often asked ‘will I get warts down stairs if I have a wart on my hand?’ or, ‘do genital warts cause cervical cancer?’. These questions and more will be answered in this follow up article from cutaneous warts.
Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is caused by an infection of the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV. There are many strains of HPV, in fact, over 150 and these strains are either categorised into low risk or high risk. Low risk strains cause genital warts and high risk strains can lead to cervical cancer. Therefore, low risk HPV causing genital warts does not lead to cervical cancer.
Where Are Genital Warts Found?
Genital warts are commonly found around the anus, genitalia and sometimes inside the vagina, rectum and urethra (or water pipe). They appear as either being flat or raised and may be single or multiple in nature.
Transmission is through skin to skin contact during vaginal and anal intercourse. It is possible but rare to transmit the virus to the mouth via oral intercourse. However, symptoms can occur several months after exposure due to the incubation period of the virus. Which means that you may be infected with the virus but not display any symptoms of the wart.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on removing the visible wart, we are not able to remove the virus but natural immunity may clear it over time.
There are several options that your doctor may discuss with you according to your own medical condition. The first of which may be cryotherapy — this is where liquid nitrogen is sprayed over the affected area over several sessions to eventually remove the skin containing the virus.
Alternatively, the doctor may prescribe you a lotion to use at home or a cream that may also be used in the home over a 3 month period with daily application. Failing these options, laser may be a suitable option for you according to your individual health history. Unfortunately however, warts may reappear even after treatment.
Barrier protection such as condom use, may reduce the risk of transmission, however, skin to skin contact may occur and as mentioned earlier, you may carry the virus, but not display any symptoms.
Cervical Cancer and HPV
Cervical cancer is caused by particular strains of HPV — the high risk ones that were mentioned previously. The strains that cause genital warts do not progress to cervical cancer. Those who have a cervix are invited to regular screening to check for cervical cancer. This is an important myth to bust as many people get concerned that having a genital wart will automatically mean cervical cancer.
HPV Vaccination
In Australia, there are currently 2 different vaccinations for HPV. Both work to prevent the strains 16 and 18 which are considered to be high risk and lead to the majority of cervical cancers. It is offered for free between the ages of 12–13 years old. The difference between the two vaccinations is that the other also covers almost all types of HPV that cause genital warts and so the incidence of genital warts will eventually drop with routine vaccination.
It is thought to best have the vaccination prior to becoming sexually active as it has reduced benefit in those who are older as they may have already been exposed to the virus.
If you have any questions or concerns about the topic covered in this article, please see you local medical doctor for further information.
I hope that you have found this article helpful.
Take care and stay healthy,
Dr Nora x
Please note that the contents of this article are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition.
