Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

25 de enero de 2022

4 min de lectura

HPV, medically known as Human Papillomavirus, is a commonly transmitted sexually transmitted infection among sexually active individuals. There are several hundred varieties of human papillomavirus, some of which can lead to deadly diseases including cancer. Not all HPV infections lead to cancer, however.

What is human papillomavirus (HPV)?

HPV, human papillomavirus, is a sexually transmitted infection transferred from an infected individual to a sexual partner through vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact. The two common forms of HPV are low-risk HPV and high-risk HPV.

Low-risk human papillomavirus typically does not lead to other diseases. This form of HPV can lead to genital warts or warts near the affected area near the anus, genitals, mouth, or throat.
High-risk HPV has the most potential of leading to cancerous cells taking over the affected area. There are at least 14 high-risk human papillomavirus varieties.

It is important to understand that Human Papillomavirus can affect both men and women equally. The immune system plays a vital role in controlling a Human Papilloma viral infection. When the immune system is unable to maintain control of this virus, the disease process worsens and has a higher likelihood of leading to cancer.

What cancers are caused by Human Papillomavirus?

High-risk human papillomavirus has an increased risk of leading to the formation of malignant (cancerous) cells in the body. Some HPV related cancers as reported by the CDC include:

Cervical cancer: HPV creates an increased risk of cancerous cells growing in the tissue of the cervix, crowding out the healthy cells. It is thought that 91% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Routine screening has shown great improvement in detecting abnormalities and cancerous cells on the cervix early, reducing the chance of cervical cancer forming.
Oropharyngeal cancer: Developing in the back of the throat, near the tonsils or back of the tongue, oropharyngeal cancer has grown to become one of the most common HPV-related cancers in the United States alone. 70% of oropharyngeal cancers are believed to stem from HPV.
Penile cancer: While penile cancer is rare, approximately 63% of all cases of penile cancer are thought to be the direct result of human papillomavirus.
Vaginal cancer: 75% of vaginal cancers are caused by HPV.
Vulvar and anal cancer: HPV is believed to be responsible for 69% of vulvar cancer.
Anal cancer: 91% of anal cancers are thought to be caused by HPV.

Signs and symptoms associated with human papillomavirus

Human papillomavirus in the early stages typically does not produce symptoms, however, people affected by this disease have reported genital warts or warts forming in the affected area, whether it be the anus, penis, vagina, mouth, or throat. As the disease progresses, a person may begin feeling ill. However, it can take weeks, months, or even years for symptoms to show after infection occurs.

Diagnosing human papillomavirus

HPV is detected through various testing procedures including a pap test, colposcopy, and even a DNA test.

Pap test: A licensed healthcare provider uses a tool referred to as a speculum to perform a pelvic exam and retrieve a sample of cells from the tissue of the cervix. The cells retrieved are then sent to a laboratory for testing to determine if there are malignant cells or any abnormalities of concern.
Colposcopy: A healthcare provider uses a bright, magnetic light called a colposcope to view the cervix. A solution is placed on the cervix where it will change the color of any abnormal cells that are present.
DNA test: An HPV DNA test searched for genetic markers that indicate a predisposition of human papillomavirus. A sample can be retrieved during a routine pap test and sent for testing.

How is human papillomavirus treated?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is known to be removed from the body on its own with the help of a healthy immune system, although there is no cure for the virus. Treatment of HPV focuses primarily on minimizing symptoms a patient experiences and removing abnormal cervical cells.

HPV can be treated through various methods, including cryosurgery to freeze off warts, loop electrosurgical excision procedure to remove abnormal cells, electrocautery to burn warts off, laser therapy, and prescription creams.

Risk factors of HPV

Human papillomavirus does not discriminate against age, race, or gender. However, there are certain risk factors that may increase the risk of contracting HPV or developing high-risk HPV including:

A weakened immune system
Coinfection alongside other sexually transmitted infections or diseases
Smoking tobacco
Having a baby at a young age
A family history of cervical cancer

Preventing human papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus used to affect millions. However, through routine screening and vaccinations, the number of cases of HPV reported has drastically decreased. It is important that you maintain routine cervical screenings, HPV testing, and continue safe sex practices as HPV does not care about your age, race, or if you have a family to care for.

HPV Resources and Support

You can find additional resources through the International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS) and HPV Cancers Alliance.

If you’ve received an HIV diagnosis, and want to get support or talk about it, know that Healthread is an app that enables you to connect with others who may also be living with HIV or know someone that is. You can not only read articles related to HIV and other health topics through the Healthread app, but share your experiences with others too.

Sources

#Healthread #HPV #HPVsupport #HPVawarness #healthapp #healthyliving #healingtogether

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