More than 70 types of human papilloma viruses have been identified, and are responsible for a wide range of expression in our bodies. Some of these warts have been shown to be a risk factor for cervical cancer in females. Warts found in the male anogenital tract have also been linked with cancer, although such cancers are quite rare.
Most warts are benign, but cosmetically unappealing.
It is important to realize only certain types of warts found in the genital area are associated with cervical cancer. Most often identified through a clinical exam are the external warts, likely to be due to benign types. HPV changes are often identified by the Pap smear. HPV found in the genital area is the most common STD encountered today. It is considered primarily to be sexually transmitted.