HPV Types – Low-Risk & High-Risk Strains

HPV is not a single virus. It is a family of more than 300 different types, about 40 of which infect the genital area.
These types behave very differently:
Some cause genital warts, while others may lead to pre-cancerous changes if left untreated.

Understanding the difference is essential for proper diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment.

Low-Risk HPV Types (Wart-Causing)

Low-risk HPV types do not cause cancer.
Their primary effect is the formation of lythat (genital warts) or skin lesions.

Most Common Low-Risk Types

• HPV 6
• HPV 11

These two types cause 90% of genital warts worldwide.

Characteristics

• Cause soft, cauliflower-like lesions
• Can appear on vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, anus
• Highly transmissible
• Often recur if not treated with proper methods (laser/RF)
• Do not cause cervical cancer

Warts are a cosmetic and comfort issue, not a cancer risk — but they still require correct treatment.

High-Risk HPV Types (Cancer-Associated)

High-risk HPV types have the potential to cause cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, and oropharyngeal cancers if the infection persists for years.

Most Important High-Risk Types

• HPV 16 – most aggressive
• HPV 18
• HPV 31
• HPV 33
• HPV 45
• HPV 52
• HPV 58

These are the types most commonly detected in precancerous lesions (CIN1–2–3) and cervical cancer.

Characteristics

• Often completely asymptomatic
• No visible lesions
• Cause cell changes detected only with Pap test / HPV DNA
• Persistent infection increases cancer risk
• Early detection ensures full prevention

Types That Cause CIN (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia)

CIN is a pre-cancerous condition and fully treatable when diagnosed early.

The types most associated with CIN lesions:

• HPV 16
• HPV 18
• HPV 31
• HPV 33
• HPV 52
• HPV 58

Not every infection leads to CIN — persistence and high-risk type classification are what matter.

Mixed Infections (Multiple HPV Types)

Many patients carry 2–3 HPV types at the same time.
This is common and not more dangerous by itself, but high-risk types always dictate the management plan.

Can HPV Types Change or Disappear?

Yes.

• Low-risk and high-risk types may clear naturally
• Time to clearance varies from 6 months to 2 years
• Risk increases if infection persists longer
• Smoking, stress, and poor immunity delay clearance

The virus may clear, but monitoring is essential.

Vaccination and HPV Types

The HPV vaccine protects against the most harmful types.

9-Valent Vaccine Covers:

• 6, 11 (wart-causing)
• 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 (high-risk)

Vaccination reduces:

• Risk of warts
• Risk of CIN
• Risk of HPV-related cancers

Even HPV-positive patients benefit from vaccination.

Book Your Appointment

If you want to understand your HPV type results or need guidance for next steps, you can contact Dr. Eser Agar and SAGA Clinic for a confidential evaluation.

Contact & Appointments

For appointment requests or medical inquiries, please contact us using the options below.

📞 Clinic Phone (Office Hours)
+355 69 836 1565
Available Monday–Saturday, 09:00–16:00.

💬 WhatsApp (Outside Office Hours)
+355 69 456 4467
Available outside office hours via WhatsApp Message only.

Update date: 19.09.2026 23:58