I have a question. I recently was told that I have hpv. Now can I have a type of hpv that causes both warts and cervical cancer? Or can it only be one or the other? Thank you

It can be both. HPV is LINKED to cervical cancer. Typically the type of HPV that causes warts is less likely to cause cervical cancer than the type that does not. Nevertheless, even if you have warts, you are still, at an increased risk for cancer.

There are two general types of genital HPV to which we refer on these boards, "high risk" most commonly associated with cervical cell changes and abnormal Pap tests, and "low risk" linked with virtually all cases of genital warts.

It is possible to have only one type, but of course some will have more than one. Most often those diagnosed with one HPV type never know if they actually have another type or not, as testing options are limited, most never develop visible symptoms, and the virus is most often suppressed (perhaps even "cleared") by the immune response.

It isn't clear from your post which type of HPV you may have been diagnosed with, but the most important thing is to return for follow up exams as directed by your health care provider and, if you're female, to have regular Pap tests.

Review more at http://www.ashastd.org/hpv/hpv_learn.cfm and let us know if you have additional questions that aren't covered there or elsewhere on this board.

Best,
Fredo
HPV Board Moderator

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ASHA Moderator