What kind of hpv causes cancer

It is thought that the immune system fights off HPV naturally. It is only when HPV stays in the body for many years that it can cause these cancers. It is not known why HPV goes away in most, but not all cases. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. More than 4 out of every 10 cases of cancer caused by HPV occur among men. Every year in the U. You can protect your child from these cancers with HPV vaccine at age 11—12 years.

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Female genital warts Open pop-up dialog box Close. Female genital warts Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection. Male genital warts Open pop-up dialog box Close. Male genital warts Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information HPV vaccine. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Jameson JL, et al. Human papillomavirus infections. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine.

New York, N. Accessed Feb. Bennett JE, et al. Philadelphia, Pa. American Academy of Dermatology. Human papillomavirus HPV vaccination. Rochester, Minn. HPV vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Oct. Anogenital warts. Human papillomavirus HPV and cervical cancer. World Health Organization. Palefsky JM. Human papillomavirus infections: Epidemiology and disease associations. FDA approves expanded use of Gardasil 9 to include individuals 27 through 45 years old.

There are more than types or "strains" of HPV. Most HPV infections do not cause symptoms or health problems, so you may not know if you have the virus. However, some types of HPV cause cancer or abnormal growths that can turn into cancer. These growths are called precancerous lesions. Most types of HPV cause "common" warts.

These warts can grow anywhere on the body and are often found on the hands and feet. They are contagious and spread by touch, but they do not cause cancer. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Genital HPV can infect any part of the genital area, including the vulva, inside the vagina, or the penis.

It can also infect the anus and some areas of the head and neck. Some types of genital HPV cause warts that vary in size, shape, and number. These viruses rarely lead to cancer. They are known as low-risk HPV. Your body's immune system can often get rid of this infection.

But some people have a lasting infection. Over time, the infection can turn normal cells into precancerous lesions or cancer.