Final answer:
Certain types of HPV can cause genital warts and, rarely, warts in the throat known as respiratory papillomatosis. HPV includes high-risk strains that can lead to cervical cancer, which can be detected early with a Pap test. Vaccinations like GARDASIL are available for prevention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sometimes, certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause genital warts in males and females. Rarely, those types can also cause warts in the throat, a condition called respiratory papillomatosis or recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that may cause not only genital warts but also cervical cancer in women. A simple test, such as a Pap test, can detect cervical cancer early, potentially allowing it to be cured with surgery. There is also a preventive vaccine called GARDASIL, recommended for certain age groups.
HPV infections are categorized by the risk they pose, with high-risk strains such as HPV 16 and HPV 18 linked to over 70% of cervical cancer diagnoses. In contrast, low-risk forms of HPV often result in genital warts, though the majority of HPV infections resolve spontaneously within 2 years.
It's important to note that genital warts, caused by HPV, are small, rough growths on the genitals, whereas high-risk HPV infections can cause other cancers including those of the vulva, vagina, anus, and throat. Regular screening and vaccination are considered effective strategies to reduce the risk of HPV-related diseases.