What are the complications of HPV?
The severity of complications associated with the virus depends on the type of HPV. For example, some types can only cause genital warts [2], while others can lead to cancers. According to research, more than 42,000 new cases of HPV-related cancers are diagnosed every year in the United States. About 18,300 of these cases of cancer occur in men.
Doctors believe that the following cancers are linked to the development of HPV in men:
- Anal cancer: studies show that HPV is responsible for about 90% of cases of anal cancer [3] in men. This cancer affects 2,200 men every year.
- Oropharyngeal cancer: Oropharyngeal cancer [4], a malignant tumor that occurs at the back of the throat, base of the tongue, and tonsils may occur due to HPV. In fact, studies show that about 70% of people with this condition have it due to HPV.
- Penile cancer: Studies show that over 60% of penile cancer [5] in men is caused by HPV.