As per the Cleveland Clinic, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common Sexually Transmitted Infection that affects more than 14 million people every year.

Many sexually active people get affected by HPV at some point in their lives, and some people may have a high risk of developing cancers.

However, not all HPV encounters cause Cervical Cancer in people.

Then, what makes some HPV easily curable and others deadly?

HPV can be differentiated into two categories, i.e., low-risk and high-risk HPV types depending on its association with Cervical Cancer. 

This comprehensive article will elaborate on the HPV types and various important information associated with them.

Total number of HPV types

There are more than 150 types of HPV strains, and almost 40 affect the genital area but don’t pose a serious threat.

Generally, HPV does not show serious symptoms, and many people don’t know until the condition gets worse.

Fortunately, more than ninety percent of HPV infections go away or become undetectable within two years.

Still, some HPV types can stay for longer in the body and lead to serious complications, including Genital warts and cancer.

HPV can cause six types of cancers: Cancer include Cervical Cancer, Anal Cancer, Penile Cancer, Vaginal Cancer, Vulvar Cancer, and Oropharyngeal (middle part of the pharynx behind the mouth) Cancer.

Types of HPV

HPV infection can infect the basal epithelium layer of cells or the inner lining of the tissues.

Thus, it can be classified into two types:

  • Cutaneous types of HPV: The cutaneous type of HPV targets the skin of the hands and feet
  • Mucosal types of HPV: The mucosal types of HPV infect the lining of the mouth, respiratory tract, throat, and anogenital epithelium

Further, depending on their association with the risk of Cervical Cancer, they can be divided into two categories:

Low-risk types of HPV

Some HPV types do not cause symptoms and usually go away when the body boosts immunity against the infection-causing pathogen.

These types of HPV are called low-risk HPV types and have no association with cancers.

However, they can lead to Genital warts.

Some low-risk HPV types are 6, 11, 42, 43, and 44.

It can cause warts formation in the vulva, penis, vagina, scrotum, and anus in people.

Furthermore, warts may also appear in the mouth and throat.

When warts form in the respiratory tract, people may develop a condition called Respiratory Papillomavirus, which causes respiratory problems.

High-risk types of HPV

vaginal injury
Complications may involve cancer

The high-risk types of HPV can lead to serious Cervical Dysplasia or Cervical Cancer.

HPV types are 16, 18, 31, 33, 34, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 70.

There are more than twelve types of high-risk HPV. 

However, only two types, 16 and 18, cause the majority of HPV-related complications.

The complications may involve cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis and anus.

Fact:
About 99.7% of cases of Cervical Cancer are caused by persistent genital high-risk HPV-type infection.

Further, these HPV types, 16 and 18, can also cause cancer in the throat, tonsils, and tongue, called Oropharyngeal Cancer.

HPV types and diseases associated with them

The following table shows the types of HPV and the diseases associated with them:

HPV typesDisease
1,2,4, 63Plantar warts
2,1,7,4,26,27,29,41,57,77,65,1,3,4,28,10Common warts
3,10,26,27,28,38,41,49,75,76Flat warts
6,11,16,30,33,36,37,38,41,48,60,72,73Other cutaneous lesions ( Epidermoid cysts, Laryngeal carcinoma)
2,3,5,8,10,9,12,14,15,17,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,36,37,38,47,50Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis
6,11Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis
13,32Focal epithelial hyperplasia of Heck
6,11,16Conjunctivital Papillomas/ Carcinomas
6,11,30,42,43,45,51,54,55,70Condyloma Acuminata (Genital warts)
16,18,31,45,33,35,39,51,52,56,58,68,66,70Cervical carcinoma

What are the common types of HPV

Some common types of HPV clear up without medical intervention. 

While, others may need prompt medical attention, as they can lead to cancer.

The common HPV types in people are as follows:

HPV 6 and HPV 11

HPV 6 and HPV 11 are low-risk types of HPV and are associated with 90% chances of Genital warts.

However, HPV 11 can also cause cancer.

People can take the vaccine to prevent the chances of HPV 6. The vaccine can also offer protection against HPV 11.

Recommended Article
Read “ Navigating HPV Treatment: A Comprehensive Guide” to get a complete understanding of various HPV treatment options for faster recovery.

HPV 16 and HPV 18

HPV 16 is a common type of high-risk HPV and usually does not show any signs or symptoms.

It can cause fifty percent chances of Cervical Cancer worldwide.

On the other hand, HPV 18 is another high-risk type of HPV and can lead to the risk of Cervical Cancer worldwide.

Also, HPV 16 and HPV 18 are together responsible for about seventy percent chances of Cervical Cancers.

Warning:
Without early detection and treatment, the condition may get worse and lead to severe complications. Consult a healthcare practitioner and seek prompt medical attention.

Can you have more than one type of HPV

Man taking consultation from a doctor
Take regular screening tests

Yes, you can have more than one type of HPV at one time.

As per NCBI, in a study, it was found that 57% of infected men had multiple HPV types.

Further, many men had more than four types of HPV. 

Therefore, it is recommended to have regular screening tests in sexually active people for early detection of the virus.

Conclusion

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common STDs and there are more than 150 types of HPV, and almost 40 affect the genital area. 

HPV can be classified into two categories, cutaneous and mucosal types of HPV, depending on the layer of cells it infects.

Further, depending on their association with cancer risks, it can be divided into low-risk and high-risk types of HPV.

Both types of HPV may give rise to numerous problems, such as plantar warts, Genital warts, or Cervical Cancer.

Among low-risk HPV types, HPV 6 and HPV 11 are common types that infect people. HPV 16 and 18 are common types among high-risk HPV types.

People can also get infected with more than one type of HPV.  

Therefore, it is important to get regular screening tests and prompt medical treatment to treat the condition effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are HPV type 1 and type 2?

HPV types 1 and type 2 are among numerous types of HPV. These HPV types can cause non-genital warts, such as plantar and common warts, in people. Warts are estimated to affect about 7 to 12% of the population. They are known to affect older children and young adults.

What types of HPV are curable?

According to the Food and Drug Administration, there is no cure for HPV types. However, there are treatments for HPV that can cause nongenital warts or Genital warts. More than 90% of HPV infections can go away or become undetectable within two years without treatment. 

What are the 14 types of HPV?

There are more than 14 types of high-risk HPV types. These HPV types include HPV type 16, 18, 31, 33, 34, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, and 70. However, only two types, 16 and 18, cause cancers in the vagina, cervix, vulva, penis and anus.

Is HPV a type of cancer?

No, HPV is not a type of cancer. Human Papillomavirus is a common Sexually Transmitted Disease that can cause cancer in infected people. It can cause cancer in the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis and anus. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare practitioner and seek prompt medical treatment.

Citations:
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