What are the symptoms of HPV infection?
Jan 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, HPV virus refers to human papillomavirus. Symptoms of human papillomavirus infection may include skin warts, genital warts, oral lesions, cervical lesion-related symptoms, anal lesions, and others. If you experience any discomfort or have concerns, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation for relevant examinations. Most human papillomavirus infections are asymptomatic and may not present clinical manifestations during the incubation period.
Generally speaking, HPV virus refers to human papillomavirus. Symptoms of human papillomavirus infection may include skin warts, genital warts, oral lesions, contact bleeding, and vulvar itching. If experiencing discomfort or concerns, timely medical consultation and related examinations are recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Skin Warts
Low-risk human papillomavirus infection often causes skin warts, such as common warts, which typically appear as pea-sized or larger skin-colored or brownish papules with rough surfaces and firm texture. They can occur on any part of the body, commonly on the hands. Flat warts are generally flat papules the size of a pinhead to a grain of rice, light brown or skin-colored, commonly found on the face, back of the hands, and forearms. Filiform warts often appear as slender, soft, thread-like projections, commonly seen on the neck, eyelids, and other areas.
2. Genital Warts
Genital warts are also caused by low-risk human papillomavirus infection and are also known as condyloma acuminata. In males, they are commonly found on the glans, coronal sulcus, frenulum of the prepuce, and urethral meatus. In females, they commonly occur on the labia majora and minora, vaginal opening, clitoris, cervix, and may also appear around the anus. The typical symptoms are small, soft, flesh-colored or pinkish papules that gradually increase in number and size, possibly forming papillary, cauliflower-like, or cockscomb-like growths with moist surfaces that bleed easily.
3. Oral Lesions
Some subtypes of human papillomavirus infection in the oral cavity may cause white patches on the oral mucosa, with clear borders, rough surfaces, and difficulty in wiping off, known as oral leukoplakia. Papillomatous proliferation may also occur, presenting as small elevations within the oral cavity resembling the appearance of skin warts.
4. Contact Bleeding
When high-risk human papillomavirus infection leads to cervical cancer or other lesions, vaginal bleeding may occur after sexual intercourse or gynecological examinations.
5. Vulvar Itching
When human papillomavirus infection leads to vulvar cancer, symptoms often include vulvar itching, along with possible nodules, masses, pain, or ulcers on the vulva.
Most human papillomavirus infections are asymptomatic and may not show clinical manifestations during the incubation period. Therefore, it is recommended to undergo regular human papillomavirus screening and testing for timely detection and treatment.
