Update on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of genital human papillomavirus manifestations

Human papillomavirus (HPV) affects 20 million people across the globe each year. The prevalence of HPV is vast. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that at least 50% of all sexually active men and women will contract HPV at some point in their lives. The most drastic and consequential effect of HPV in a carrier is the risk of developing cancer. Cervical cancer is the most commonly reported anogenital cancer; however HPV can cause other cancers, such as vulvar, vaginal, penile, and anal. In addition to cancer, nononcogenic HPV strains cause visible warts, specifically HPV types 6 and 11. There are more than 100 strains of HPV, approximately 30 of which affect the genital tract. Based on the risk of cancerous potential, genital tract HPV strains are divided into low risk (nononcogenic) and high-risk (oncogenic) subtypes. Although visible warts do not have the same cancerous potential, they cause distress through embarrassment, as well as create uncomfortable symptoms including itching, burning, and localized bleeding. This review article will address the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of anogenital HPV manifestations, both from low- and high-risk subtypes.