HPV16 has been implicated as the cause of carcinoma, especially of the cervix. Warts can be passed on to the newborn if the mother has an active infection at the time of birth. Signs and symptoms Genital warts are usually found on the foreskin and penis of men, on vaginal and labial mucosa, and also in the urethral meatus and perianal region. The warts appear as small irregular bumps or clusters on the skin. They may also infect the internal genital areas making it difficult to diagnose.
Most warts only induce symptoms when they become awkward due to size or appearance.
They may be discomforting for mechanical reasons. Warts in the urethra of the penis,with the meatus pealed back. The image is from Cornell University Medical College. Problems As stated previously, HPV16 has been implicated in causing cervical as well as penile cancer. It is important that women have regular PAP smears to ensure that no abnormalities have occurred on the cervix to suggest premalignant or malignant changes.