Definition

• HPV is the shortened term for human papilloma virus. Although most cases of HPV present similar symptoms, there are nearly 100 related, yet different, strains of the human papilloma virus.
  
  

The Silent Infection

• In many cases HPV infections go undiagnosed and untreated. This is because in most instances the disease presents no outward symptoms. Therefore an individual may have HPV and infect others without knowing it.
  
  

Symptoms

• When HPV does present symptoms these often appear as warts and lesions on the skin. These lesions are most commonly found on the genitals or the soft tissues inside the mouth. However, they may also be found internally on the lungs or cervix or both.
  
  

HPV Cancer Risk

• In the majority of instances the lesions and warts from HPV are, and remain, benign. But certain strains of the virus can cause cellular changes within the skin which may result in the lesions or warts becoming cancerous. HPV is also responsible for most instances of cervical cancer in women. According to the Mayo clinic, 70 percent of cervical cancer cases are a direct result of HPV infection.
  
  

Treatment

• The warts caused by HPV are most often treated with drugs. In some instances they may be removed with liquid nitrogen or using lasers. However, at the present time (2009) there is no cure for HPV. Fortunately, the immune system of otherwise healthy people can often suppress the virus to undetectable levels on its own.
  
  

Preventing HPV Infection

• A vaccine is available for girls which protects them from infection by certain strains of HPV known to cause cervical cancer. In general, the best protection both men and women is to use protection such as a latex condom during sexual encounters or participate in a monogamous relationship with a partner who is known to be HPV-free.