Ten Facts About the Diagnosis and Treatment of HPV

The HPV virus is most commonly termed and understood to be genital warts. This virus is surprisingly common with at least 75% of all people of reproductive age estimated to be infected with the virus in many western countries.

Despite the astounding prevalence of HPV, many people have a limited understanding of how the virus is identified and diagnosed and the treatments that are available.

Here we provide you with ten facts that provide key information about the diagnosis and treatment of the HPV virus.


Fact #1: In some cases (but certainly not all), signs of HPV can be noticed when a pap smear is carried out. HPV infection can lead to changes in the cervix that are known to be precancerous and, as the purpose of a pap smear is to identify abnormal cells, those that are precancerous as a result of HPV infection are reasonably often noticed.

However, a definitive diagnosis of HPV cannot be made through the pap smear itself unless special tests are carried out to test for the DNA of HPV.

Fact #2: If a genital wart is present, it is possible for a biopsy to be done to test for the HPV virus.

Fact #3: Genital warts usually show themselves as small, fleshy, raised bumps, but they can sometimes be large in size and resemble a cauliflower. They can be found on any area of the body that is exposed during sex. Because genital warts are quite common, many health professionals will treat patients who display symptoms without ordering testing.

Fact #4: An estimated ninety per cent of genital warts are caused by ‘low risk’ HPV types (HPV-6 and HPV-11).


Fact #5: No cure or treatment that completely eradicates an HPV infection exists. As a result, the only HPV treatment possible involves removing the lesions that result from the virus. However, this will not necessarily prevent the virus from spreading or warts recurring.

Fact #6: Some physicians will direct their patients to apply a medicated solution or gel to the warts twice a day for three days and then cease treatment for the next four days. This treatment is commonly continued for three to four weeks or until no evidence of the lesions remains.

Fact #7: Some treatments for genital warts can only be performed by an experienced health physician. Among others, these include a small amount of a solution of podophyllin resin on the lesions present and then, after a number of hours have passed, washing off the podophyllin. This treatment is repeated every week until the lesions have gone.

Fact #8: Other treatments that must be performed by a physician include: a solution of either trichloroacetic acid or bichloracetic acid being applied to lesions weekly and injection of a specific (5-flurouracil epinephrine) gel into the lesions.

Fact #9: Interferon alpha is a substance that stimulates the immune response of the body. It has also been used to treat genital warts by being injected into the lesion every second day for a period of eight to twelve weeks.

Fact #10: Cryotherapy, surgical removal and laser surgery have also been used to treat genital warts.

As some people who have the HPV virus never display any symptoms, it is not surprising that HPV is so easily spread. While some HPV treatments do exist, these often involve considerable time and commitment on the part of the infected individual and when it is considered that no absolute cure exists for this infection, efforts to prevent HPV are vitally important.