This virus may cause genital warts which look very much like the warts that might develop on other parts of the body. Some types of HPV cause genital warts whereas other types cause common skin warts. Genital warts can develop on the cervix, penis, or in the vaginal or rectal area. They look similar to warts that might appear on the hands, feet, or other parts of the body. Genital warts, like warts on other parts of the body, are dry and painless, firm and rough in texture, and usually grayish or skin color.
Warts can be small and difficult to detect, even during a medical examination.
Small or flat warts on a man's penis or a woman's cervix are particularly likely to go unnoticed. They may itch slightly or give an irritated feeling. Untreated, genital warts can grow large and numerous, and perhaps grow together to look like a tiny piece of cauliflower. These growths may block the urethra, rectum or vaginal opening. Genital wart infection most commonly develops near the opening or on the lips of the vagina and near the anus.