Human papilloma viruses are known as HPV. They can affect the skin and the moist membranes that line parts of the body, including
* The lining of the mouth and throat
* The cervix
* The anus
There are more than 100 different types (or ‘strains’) of human papilloma virus (HPV). Each type has a different number. HPV is common. About 3 out of 4 people (75%) have the virus at some time in their lives. For most people it causes no symptoms and goes away on its own. It is much more common in young people, probably because we develop immunity to the virus as we get older.Some types of HPV can cause changes in the cells of the cervix or the lining of the mouth and throat. They are known as high risk HPVs. Doctors call these changes in cells ‘dysplasia’. The changed cells have an increased risk of becoming cancerous.Other types of HPV can cause warts and verrucas. These types of HPV are sometimes called the ‘wart virus’ or ‘genital wart virus’ and they include types 6 and 11. Warts and verrucas are most common on the hands and feet, in the genital area and around the anus. But they can be on any part of the body. Types of HPV that cause warts and verrucas do not usually cause cell changes that may develop into cancer. They are called low risk HPVs.
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