It is estimated that 5 to 10 million Americans are infected with HPV each year. Genital HPV infections are usually acquired through sexual intercourse. Some types of the virus cause seen on the hands and feet and other types cause genital warts. Warts can be treated with topical medications, surgically excised or frozen off. However, these measures probably do not rid the body of HPV infection.
Precancerous lesions can form on the cervix within two years of infection.
Because early detection of cervical cancer is crucial for successful treatment, women should have regular Pap tests, which can detect HPV-related precancer, early invasive cancer and cancer of the cervix. Koutsky notes that Pap tests are most accurate when performed midway between menstrual periods. In the future, vaccines may be available to prevent HPV transmission. Researchers, including Koutsky, are currently testing the effectiveness of a vaccine to prevent HPV 16 infection, the type of HPV most commonly linked to cervical cancer. The HPV 16 vaccine is made from synthesized proteins similar to the outer protein shell of the virus.