Or they may be removed with surgery or with lasers. Genital warts grow back again in at least 30 percent of the cases treated. Some genital HPV infections are associated with cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, and penis. But the HPVs that cause genital warts do not seem to be directly associated with these cancers. However, since genital warts may accompany other genital HPV infections, many clinicians consider all such infections to be warnings of potentially cancerous conditions.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide .
About 7,000 women die of cervical cancer each year. Because cervical cancer alone is responsible for 15 percent of cancer deaths among women throughout the world, all HPV infections should be taken seriously. Pap tests can detect very early precancerous conditions. All women, especially those who have had genital warts or other STIs, are urged to get a Pap test at least once a year. Pregnancy often causes rapid growth of genital warts.