The acronym HPV stands for Human papillomaviruses, which consist of a group of viruses.  Papillomas are benign tumors and some of the HPV viruses produce them.  These tumors tend to grow in areas such as the hands, feet, throat or genital areas.  The causes of the warts vary.  The HPV viruses that cause warts on the hands and feet differ from the ones that cause warts on the throat and genital areas.  Out of the 100 HPV’s that exist, there are some that are thought to lead to cancer.

Only 30 types of HPV are contagious.  Meaning that 70 types cannot be passed on from person to person.  HPV’s are transmitted sexually but the actual time of infection is generally unknown.  The majority of HPV’s run their course without treatment or cures.  They can exist in the body without altering any cells. Genital warts or condylomata acurninatum, are caused by two different types of HPV.  HPV6 and HPV 11 cause genital warts.  Typically people see warts a couple of weeks after they have sex with an infected partner.  Some people acquire HPV and warts do not appear for months or years.  Others never get warts. (more…)