Condition
Human papillomavirus in men
The human papillomavirus is very common in men: close to 90% are carriers, although fewer than 2% develop active disease. The most common manifestation is genital warts, which should be treated, since an untreated infection can eventually lead to penile cancer.
How common is it?
Large-scale HPV screening in men is not indicated, unlike Pap smear screening in women. Close to 90% of men are carriers of the virus, although fewer than 2% will develop the disease. Men can transmit the disease to women, but generally, when the virus becomes active in men, there is no clinical manifestation at all.
How does it show up?
The most common clinical manifestation in men with active HPV disease is genital warts: firm lesions that tend to appear in small clusters and can grow over time.
How is it treated?
When these manifestations appear, they should be treated by fulguration or complete removal of the lesion. There are creams that can help prevent the disease from returning, although their use is selective, based on the urologist's guidance. Vaccines that protect against certain types of HPV also exist.
Why shouldn't it be left untreated?
An untreated HPV infection can eventually lead to penile cancer.
