Yes, Genital warts are caused by the Human papillomavirus (HPV) and about 40 out of a 100 types cause genital tract and anus infections, sometimes causing abnormal cell changes and the virus to multiply, taking on the form of cancer. Certain HPV types are categorised as ‘high-risk’ that are 99% responsible for causing cervical cancer, especially HPV types 16 and 18. This virus spreads through intimate contact as a result of sexual intercourse, oral or anal sex, or any other form of skin-to-skin contact.
When the body is exposed to genital human papillomavirus (HPV), the immune system usually prevents the virus from causing serious damage. Sometimes, however, the virus stays and can lead to the conversion of normal cells on the surface into cancerous cells. This could result in:
CERVICAL CANCER: HPV 16 and 18 cause about 70% of cases of cervical cancer while smoking magnifies the effect of HPV.
ANAL CANCER: A good deal of research and evidence shows that 95% of rectal cancers are caused by HPV as a result of anal squamous cell carcinomas.
OTHER TYPES OF CANCER: 65% of vaginal cancers, 35% of penile cancers and 50% of vulvar cancers are caused by HPV, especially type 16.
How does HPV cause Cancer?
HPV produces certain types of proteins (E6 and E7) that cease the function of two important tumor suppressors in normal cells: p53 and Rb, which keep cells from growing out of control. When these suppressors become inactive, the cells are more prone to become cancerous.
It should be clear that while some types of HPV cause cancer, others don’t. Often, genital warts and most high-risk HPV infections don’t show any visible symptoms and don’t last for more than a couple of years. However, some types of HPV infections can linger on for several years. Persistent infections with high-risk HPV types can lead to cell changes that, if untreated, may progress to cancer.
The main fear factor should not be genital warts but HPV itself. Besides genital cancer, the virus is capable of causing tongue, throat and tonsils cancer and is reported to affect around 27,000 men and women every year. The American Cancer Society predicts that about 12,900 women will find out they have cervical cancer this year in the US alone, and roughly 4,100 will die of it.
The use of condoms, vaccination, minimizing the number of sexual partners, boosting the immune system and avoiding cigarettes helps the body fight the virus better. Seeking medical help as soon as possible is crucial and can’t be stressed enough. Getting up on your feet and dealing with the problem before it gets out of hand is integral, for your health, and that of others.