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Types of Genital Warts
There are more than 100 different types of warts, but genital warts are quite specific, so it is important not to confuse them with other types.
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and there are more than 75 strains of genital warts currently identified. Approximately 90% of all genital warts cases are caused by two specific types of the HPV (6 and 11) and are the least likely to have any cancer-causing potential. Less common types of genital warts have been associated with premalignant and malignant cervical cancers in women. HPV-16, in particular, has been attributed to about 50% of all cases of cervical cancer. Together, types 16, 18, 31, and 45, together, account for 80% of cancers.
Genital warts tend to be moist and soft. They are usually flesh colored and appear in the genital area within weeks or months following exposure to the HPV infection. Sometimes Genital warts appear in clusters, resembling cauliflower-like bumps. They can be raised or flat, small or large. In women, genital warts can surface on the vulva, the cervix, and in and around the vagina and anus. In men, genital warts can surface on the scrotum or the penis. However, there are cases where genital warts have been surfaced on the thigh and the groin area.
Other types of warts, which are not genital warts, include:
Common warts, also known as seed warts, usually grow on the backs of the hands and on the fingers. They often occur where skin has been broken.
Foot warts, also known as plantar warts, occur on the soles of the feet and can be very painful, often creating a sensation of a pebble in the shoe. Plantar warts that appear in clusters are known as mosaic warts.
Flat warts grow in large quantities of up to 100 at any one time. Smoother and flatter than other warts, flat warts can occur anywhere on the body.
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Genital Wart Facts