HPV 6 and 68

[jl0725]

Dear Doc,

I was recently diagnosed with type 6 and 68 HPV virus and would like to ask you for your opinion on the following:

1. Looking back, I believe the two warts (on the base of my penis) had started a few years back, around 2009. At first, I didn't notice them and thought they were simply some skin bumps or pimples until they got bigger. Then a few months ago, I went to see a doctor and he took some sample (by sanding the area around the warts) for a HPV DNA test. The test came back positive showing I have 6 and 68. I understand there is no cure for HPV but is there anything I should/can do now? Is the test reliable?

2. If after touching my penis, I then use my hands to touch other areas of my body, would the virus be transmitted  that way? I am afraid that when I take a shower, cleaning my penis and then I clean for example my anus, I would then transmit the virus to my anus area.

3. If after touching my penis, would washing my hands with soap clear the virus?

4. I have a regular partner. I was told type 6 doesn't cause cancer but 68 might. Is there anything we could do together to make sure she won't get infected? I will ask my partner to do some testing too to see if she has been infected. She had the 4-in-1 vaccine a few years ago already but she didn't know whether she already had HPV at the time of the vaccine. What tests should she have now?

6. If she is infected (since the vaccine doesn't protect her from type 68), what should she do?

Many thanks in advance.

J

[Edward W Hook, MD]

The figures you mention are average figures which pertain more to the HPV infections of the cervix in women than visible warts.  Unless your warts start to change (grow, change color, open up to form sores) I would not worry.  

This will complete this thread.  EWH

[jl0725]

One last question please. I have had these two warts for a few years already. They have been pretty much the same size the last 2-3 years. I have heard that the viruses usually go away after a few months or a few years and that was why I had not taken any action treating them. But seems like I am an exception. Anything I should worry about if both types 6 and 68 don't go away and stay with me for life?

Many thanks to your thorough and professional information.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

1.  Transmission of HPV from person to person through hand to genital contact is not a major concern.  I would not worry about it.

2.  HPV DNA tests can be done if PAP smears are abnormal however the important test is not the HPV DNA test, it is the PAP smear which informs you whether abnormal cells are present.  Your partner does not need regular HPV DNA tests, she needs PAP smears at recommended intervals

3.  The recommendation for vaccination of younger persons to have the HPV vaccine is based on the fact that most persons acquire HPV infections relatively soon after beginning to have sex.  The benefit of you getting the HPV vaccine at this time would be predicted to be of limited benefit.  EWH

[jl0725]

Dr., thank you so much for your advice and explanations. Just a few last questions:

1. Could I infect my partner If I touch my penis and then touch her genital? How likely is HPV (the types I have) transmitted by hands in general?

2. Do PAP smears include HPV DNA tests? Does my partner need regular HPV DNA tests as well? Or just PAP smears?

3. Any benefits for me taking the HPV vaccine? I am 40.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  The ability to type HPV now allows health care providers to determine more detail about the virus present in warts or abnormal PAP smears.  Certain types of virus (type 6 is one) are more likely to cause visible warts while other types (including type 68) are associated with a somewhat increased risk for abnormal pap smears of, if undetected, cancer, particularly cervical cancer in women.  It is important to understand that when these infections progress to cancer they do so very slowly, over a period of years, allowing the progression to be detected (through PAP smears and repeat examinations) and treated before they cause harm.  Further, it is important to point out that these so-called high risk types of HPV are quite common (nearly everyone will get infected by several over the course of their lives) but that only a very small fraction of those who are infected will get cancer and most other infections will go away by themselves, without treatment, causing no harm.  That you are infected with these viruses is not a major concern for you or your partner.  With this as background, let's go to your specific questions:

1. In general these tests are reliable.  It is almost certain that you have HPV.  As for the infections being incurable, that is a bit of an overstatement.  HPV infections are treatable, most often by destruction (i.e. surgery, freezing, etc.) or with medicines applied to the infection.  You should talk to your doctor or a dermatologist about what to do next.  I would return to the doctor who did the test and ask.

2.  There is little risk of transmitting your infection to other parts of your body by touching, washing or rubbing.  I would  not worry about this.

3.   See above, not a concern. Hand washing is always a good idea however.

4.  Glad to hear your partner has received the vaccine, that's great.  At this point the only testing she needs is regular PAP smears from her doctor, every few years.  This would detect abnormalities if present and allow them to be treated if need be.

5.  See above.

I hope these comments are helpful. Your recent HPV diagnosis is not a high risk event.  Take care.  EWH