infectious diseases
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection
Symptoms and Signs of HPV Infection
Warts caused by HPV appear after an incubation period of 1 to 6 months. Visible anogenital warts are usually soft, moist, minute pink or gray polyps (raised lesions) that Enlarge May become pedunculated Have rough surfaces May occur in clusters The warts are usually asymptomatic, but some patients have itching, burning, or discomfort. In men, warts occur most commonly under the foreskin, on the coronal sulcus, within the urethral meatus, and on the penile shaft. They may occur around the anus and in the rectum, especially in men who have sex with men. In women, warts occur most commonly on the vulva, vaginal wall, cervix, and perineum; the urethra and anal region may be affected. HPV types 16 and 18 usually cause endocervical or anal intraepithelial lesions that are difficult to see and diagnose clinically. This photo shows small, soft, pink genital warts on the penile shaft. © Springer Science+Business Media This photo shows pink and raised genital warts (arrows) at the coronal sulcus of the penis. © Springer Science+Business Media This photo shows the typical rough, pedunculated appearance of genital warts on the glans. © Springer Science+Business Media Image courtesy of Dr. M.F. Rein via the Public Health Image Library of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genital warts on the vulva may be raised and light-colored with an irregular, rough surface. Image courtesy of Joe Millar via the Public Health Image Library of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 