What is High Risk HPV?
High-risk HPV refers to the HPV strains that carry
a greater probability of leading to more serious conditions.
There are some HPV strains that have a proven association
with cervical cancer in women. Other strains of HPV
are thought to lead to different types of cancer. Scientists
have divided the different strains of HPV into two groups
– those that are less likely to lead to cancer
and those that are more likely to be precursors to cancer.
So, high-risk HPV are most likely precursors to cancer;
low-risk HPV are those strains that have not been shown
to have a link to cancer.
Two high-risk HPV strains, notably HPV-16 and -18,
are now known to be a present in nearly all cases of
cervical cancer, which affects around 500,000 women
worldwide every year. Close to 250,000 women die from
cervical cancer every year. The greatest risk factor
for women, as regards to cervical cancer, is having
persistent, long-term, high-risk HPV. These strains
of HPV are listed among other strains that are classified
as STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).
Ongoing scientific research is suggesting that high-risk
HPV strains may also be a factor in other cancers –
of the vulva, vagina, anus in women and penis, scrotum
and anus in men, as well cancer of the throat. To date,
14 HPV strains have been identified as being possibly
linked to these cancers. None of these strains create
any visible symptoms, whereas other HPV strains that
are also classified as STDs may produce genital warts
in some people. There is no link between genital warts
and precancerous cell abnormalities.Low-risk HPV strains include those that cause common
warts, usually found on the hands, especially in children,
with the typical raised 'cauliflower' appearance; plantar
warts that grow inwards on the soles of the feet; and
flat warts that usually appear on the face. While these
warts may look unsightly and be uncomfortable, they
are not dangerous and have not been linked with any
type of cancer or other serious disease.
The high-risk strains of HPV affect the cells of the
genital area they infect, causing changes and abnormalities
to these cells. These abnormal cells will not always
progress to cancer but in some cases they do. The time
frame, from infection with high-risk HPV to evidence
of cervical cancer, is many years, often ten years or
longer. This is why women who are most at risk are those
who have had these HPV strains for a prolonged period
It is important to realize that having a high-risk
HPV infection does not mean you have cancer; around
90% of HPV infections go away on their own, forced out
by your own immune system, without causing any health
problems. Only 20% of women infected with the high-risk
strains will develop cancer.
As with so many diseases, including cancer, early diagnosis
presents the best opportunity for a successful outcome.
This is why it is so important for women to have regular
Pap tests from a few years after they become sexually
active. Women over the age of 30 are also advised to
have an HPV test included with the Pap test, as both
tests can be done using the same sample of cells. While
a Pap test does not detect the presence of HPV it does
show any changes or abnormalities to the cells which
could be caused by the virus. The HPV test is not yet
available for men.