Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-Related Diseases

How is HPV acquired and transmitted?

HPV is most commonly acquired and transmitted through sexual intercourse. However, it can be spread through many types of genital contact—intercourse is not necessary. Individuals can acquire HPV from others who are infected but who don’t have visible disease or lesions.1

What are the potential outcomes and incidence rates of HPV-related diseases?

For most people, HPV clears on its own. But, for others who don’t clear the virus, it could cause certain cancers and diseases later in life.1,2,3,4

It is estimated that in the United States, there are ~10,900 new cases of cervical cancer every year that are caused by HPV.5,a

aEstimate represents cervical cancer cases caused by all oncogenic HPV types.

HPV-related cancers can take years, even decades to develop.4

Not all cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV.5

ref1

Reference

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Human Papillomavirus. In: Meites E, Gee J, Unger E, Markowitz L. CDC Pink Book. 14th edition. Updated August 2021. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/hpv.pdf

ref2

Reference

  1. HPV and oropharyngeal cancer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Last reviewed September 3, 2020. Accessed June 1, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic_info/hpv_oropharyngeal.htm
ref3

Reference

  1. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021 – human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last reviewed July 22, 2021. Accessed July 27, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/hpv.htm
ref4

Reference

  1. Cancer caused by HPV. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last reviewed July 23, 2021. Accessed August 16, 2021.
    https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/cancer.html
ref5

Reference

  1. Senkomago V, Henley SJ, Thomas CC, Mix JM, Markowitz LE, Saraiya M. Human papillomavirus–attributable cancers — United States, 2012–2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2019;68:724-728. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6833a3
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