What are the different types of HPV?

Different types of HPV

High risk HPV strains

High risk (or cancer associated) HPV types include 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68, 82.

These are considered high risk because they can be found in association with cancers of the cervix, vulva, penis, or anus. There may also be a link between throat cancer and high risk HPV types.

HPV 16 is the most common high-risk type and is found in almost half of all cervical cancers. It is also one of the most common types found in women without cancer.

HPV 18 is another common high risk virus, found not only in squamous lesions but also in glandular lesions of the cervix. HPV 18 accounts for 10% to 12% of cervical cancers.

Low risk HPV strains

Low risk (non-cancerous) HPV types include 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 72, 73, 81.

These low risk HPV types can cause benign or low-grade cervical cell changes and genital warts but are rarely, if ever, found in association with invasive cancers.

HPV 6 and HPV 11 are the low risk viruses that are most commonly found in genital warts.