HPVs can be transmitted easily during sexual activity. People who don't have any signs or symptoms of HPV infection can transmit the infection. Several types of HPV cause genital warts on the penis, vagina, and rectum. HPV can also cause problems in the mouth or on the tongue or lips. Other types of HPV can cause abnormal cell growth known as dysplasia.
Dysplasia can develop into cancers of the penis and anus, and cervical cancer in women.
The epithelium is the layer of cells that cover organs or openings in the body. Neoplasia means the new development of abnormal cells. Anal intraepithelial neoplasia is the new development of abnormal cells in the lining of the anus. Another study showed that women with HIV infection have a much higher rate of CIN than HIV-negative women. Dysplasia can be detected by Pap smears.