Hpv refers to the human papilloma virus which includes a group of viruses. These viruses include low risk as well as high risk viruses and the high risk variety result in high risk hpv conditions. The hpv virus basically causes abnormal changes in the cells in a person’s body. In many cases the changes are benign and not really dangerous but in few cases the changes may include malignant tumors.

High risk hpv type viruses are those that can result in cervical cancer along with other precancerous conditions. A person infected with a high risk hpv virus has a greater possibility of developing cancer. If a person has a strong immune system then the hpv condition or infection may resolve on its own. Other factors like smoking and indulging in sex with multiple partners can contribute towards developing a high risk condition.

In a high risk hpv condition the infection can cause precancerous changes in the cells in the cervix and this is called cervical dysplasia. This can result in cancer if it is not treated within time. As compared to high risk viruses the low risk viruses do not cause malignant lesions. Low risk viruses may infect cells to form tumors that are benign and these tumors are observed on the mucosal or cutaneous membranes.

The tumors caused by low risk viruses are also called warts and these can grow in different regions of the body. The size of these warts tends to vary and these may not be visible to the naked eye. In high risk hpv conditions particularly when the lesions cover a large area some procedures such as removal of cervix or uterus may be needed in some cases.

The high risk hpv varieties include hpv 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68 and 69. The diagnosis of hpv can be done through a Pap smear test. It is important to understand that the hpv type 16 and 18 are responsible for causing around 70 percent of the cervical cancer cases.