Signs of human papilloma virus infection may sometimes be found during a routine examination or may be suggested on a pap smear. Some warts are noticed by the person infected while others are nearly impossible to see with the naked eye. When a woman has warts on the external genital area, they are frequently found on the cervix and walls of the vagina. In men, growths can be found on the penis, scrotum and anus, but it may also be difficult to see growths in men. If lesions are suspected in the urinary tube or rectum, special procedures to examine these areas may be advised.
Anal lesions can occur without anal intercourse.
The mouth may also be examined though oral warts are rare. All sexual partners should be examined. If no signs of infection are found on the initial evaluation, periodic examinations are advisable. Evaluation for other sexually transmitted infections should also be undertaken. Untreated CIN may progress to cancer of the cervix, usually over a number of years.