HPV Types
High- and Low-Risk Strains

What Are the HPV Types?

To date, more than 300 HPV types have been identified using molecular methods. About 40 of these types cause infection in the anal and genital area. HPV types are divided into three main groups in terms of cancer risk: low-risk, probable high-risk and high-risk types.

Knowing the HPV type is critically important in the patient's follow-up and treatment planning. This is because while some types only cause warts, others are associated with cervical, anal and penile cancer.

TOPICS

Low-Risk HPV Types

The HPV types in this group mostly cause genital warts and do not show a strong association with cancer.

Type 6, Type 11, Type 40, Type 42, Type 43, Type 54, Type 61, Type 62, Type 71, Type 72, Type 74, Type 81, Type 91

Probable High-Risk HPV Types

These types carry a potential risk that may be associated with the development of cancer and may require closer follow-up.

Type 26, Type 53, Type 66, Type 67, Type 68, Type 69, Type 70, Type 73, Type 82

High-Risk HPV Types

The types in this group are associated with anal and penile cancer, and primarily with cervical cancer.

Type 16, Type 18, Type 31, Type 33, Type 35, Type 39, Type 45, Type 51, Type 52, Type 56, Type 58, Type 59

Population Data: HPV Type Distribution

In an analysis of 6,388 cases collected from 12 centres by the Turkish Gynecological Oncology Group, HPV positivity was found to be 25%. HPV positivity was found to be 27% in those with a normal smear result and 50.2% in those with an abnormal smear result.

The most frequently detected type in the group with an abnormal smear result is HPV Type 16 (46%). In the group with a normal smear result, the most common type is again HPV Type 16 (26.8%).

In the overall distribution, the most common HPV types are, respectively:

HPV Type 16 (32%)
HPV Type 6 (17%)
HPV Type 11 (9%)
HPV Type 18 (8%)
HPV Type 31 (6%)
HPV Type 51 (5%)
HPV Type 33 (3%)

HPV Type 16 is the most common high-risk type in both the normal- and abnormal-smear groups. For this reason, it is of special importance in screening and follow-up.

Dr. Eser Agar – Tirana, Albania

You can contact our clinic to have your HPV type determined and a personalized follow-up plan created.

📞 Phone: +355 69 836 15 65
📱 WhatsApp: +355 69 456 44 67

Frequently Asked Questions

Into how many groups are HPV types divided?

HPV types are divided into three main groups: low-risk, probable high-risk and high-risk.

Which are the most dangerous HPV types?

HPV Types 16 and 18 in particular, along with Types 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58 and 59, are in the high-risk group.

Why is HPV Type 16 important?

HPV Type 16 is the most frequently detected high-risk type in both normal- and abnormal-smear groups and is strongly associated with cervical cancer.

What do low-risk HPV types do?

Low-risk HPV types usually cause genital warts and do not show a strong association with cancer.

Medically reviewed: Asst. Prof. Eser Ağar, MD — 14.09.2026

HPV Types High- and Low-Risk Strains