Micrograph of penile verrucous carcinoma. Left: 20x magnification. The tumor is characterized by prominent papillomatosis and acanthosis [haematoxylin-eosin stain.Right: 200x magnification. The tumor front is broad-based and pushes the subepithelial tissues [haematoxylin-eosin stain.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a large group of related viruses that infect skin and mucous membranes; there are 30-40 types that are transmitted sexually (half of all sexually active men and women are infected with HPV at some point in their lives). Most HPV infections do not cause symptoms and clear up quickly, though some types cause genital warts. There are about a dozen types, however, that can lead to cervical cancer. An HPV test can analyze viral DNA and detect the presence of these `high risk` types.

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a sneaky invader. Genital HPV, pictured above, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S., yet most of the people who have it have no idea that they've been exposed. More than 40 types of HPV can be spread through sexual contact. Approximately 20 million Americans are infected with the virus right now. About half of sexually active men and women will contract HPV during their lifetime. The good news is that nearly 90% of those infected will never know they had HPV. Their immune system will fight it off naturally, and they will remain symptom free. However, some varieties of HPV cause genital warts, which can also spread to the mouth and throat. Even more critically, certain varieties can lead to cervical cancer, and less common cancers of the sexual organs, head and neck. Because HPV is a silent attacker, thorough preventive measures and regular medical screening are the key to avoiding its worst effects.

Physical Exam