Can genital warts cause cancer in females?

Women may also have warts on the cervix and in the vagina. Because these HPV types rarely cause cancer, they are called “low-risk” viruses.

Do genital warts indicate cancer?

These warts can grow anywhere on the body and are often found on the hands and feet. They are contagious and spread by touch, but they do not cause cancer. About 40 types of HPV are called “genital HPV.” Genital HPV spreads by skin contact, usually during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

What kind of cancer has genital warts been linked to?

Cervical cancer is the most common HPV-associated cancer, and some cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynx (back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils) are also caused by HPV. HPV can infect the mouth and throat and cause cancers of the oropharynx.

Do I need a Pap smear if I have genital warts?

Routine Pap smears are recommended if you are a woman who has had genital warts, or if your partner had them. If you had warts on your cervix, you may need to have Pap smears every 3 to 6 months after the first treatment. Women with precancerous changes caused by HPV infection may need further treatment.

Can HPV genital warts turn into cancer?

Cancer often takes years, even decades, to develop after a person gets HPV. Genital warts and cancers result from different types of HPV. There is no way to know who will develop cancer or other health problems from HPV. People with weak immune systems (including those with HIV) may be less able to fight off HPV.

How do you know if HPV is cancerous?

Cervical cancer screening tests include the HPV test that checks cervical cells for high-risk HPV, the Pap test that checks for cervical cell changes that can be caused by high-risk HPV, and the HPV/Pap cotest that checks for both high-risk HPV and cervical cell changes.

Does a gynecologist check for genital warts?

A gynecological exam may be done as part of a routine checkup or to find out whether you have genital warts or other sexually transmitted infections.

Are genital warts precancerous?

Background. In addition to cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for a significant proportion of cancers and precancerous lesions of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis, head and neck, as well as genital warts.

How long does it take for HPV to lead to cancer?

HPV-related cancers often take years to develop after getting an HPV infection. Cervical cancer usually develops over 10 or more years. There can be a long interval between being infected with HPV, the development of abnormal cells on the cervix and the development of cervical cancer.

Can a doctor see warts during a Pap smear?

If you think you have warts in your genital area, call your family doctor. They will be able to diagnose it with an examination. For women, diagnosis of HPV often starts with abnormal results from a routine Pap test. When you have a Pap test (or “smear”), the doctor will take a sample of cells from your cervix.

Can a blood test detect genital warts?

Unfortunately, there is no swab or blood test to test for HPV. A sexual health check at the doctors/clinic (routine check up) is not able to detect skin viruses, HPV or HSV (genital herpes). HPV can be diagnosed only if a person has visible warts on genital skin or if they have an abnormal cervical smear result.

Can I have a normal Pap smear with HPV?

In fact, many women with HPV will never have an abnormal pap smear. That being said, routine screening with your provider is the only way to follow any changes to the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer.