Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 100 related viruses. Some types of HPV can cause warts or verrucas, while others can lead to cervical cancer or other cancers.

Types of HPV

There are over 100 types of HPV, and they are divided into two main categories: low-risk and high-risk. Low-risk HPVs, such as HPV-6 and HPV-11, can cause genital warts and are rarely associated with cancer. High-risk HPVs, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, can cause changes in the cells of the cervix that may develop into cancer over time.

Transmission

HPV is primarily spread through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It can also be transmitted from mother to child during birth. HPV can be spread even when an infected person has no visible symptoms or lesions.

Symptoms

Many people with HPV do not have any symptoms. However, some people may develop genital warts, which are usually flat and flesh-colored, or they may experience abnormal cell changes on the cervix that can be detected through a Pap test.

Cancers Associated with HPV

HPV is associated with several types of cancer, including:

• Cervical cancer: HPV-16 and HPV-18 are responsible for about 70% of all cervical cancers.
• Vulvar cancer: HPV is associated with a significant proportion of vulvar cancers.
• Vaginal cancer: HPV is associated with a significant proportion of vaginal cancers.
• Penile cancer: HPV is associated with a significant proportion of penile cancers.
• Anal cancer: HPV is associated with a significant proportion of anal cancers.
• Oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the throat and tonsils): HPV-16 is responsible for an increasing number of oropharyngeal cancers.

Diagnosis

HPV can be diagnosed through:

• Pap test: A Pap test can detect abnormal cell changes on the cervix that may be caused by HPV.
• HPV DNA test: This test can detect the genetic material of the virus and identify the type of HPV present.
• Visual inspection: A healthcare provider can visually inspect the genital area for signs of warts or other lesions.

Treatment

Treatment for HPV depends on the type of infection and the severity of symptoms. Options may include:

• Cryotherapy: Freezing off warts or abnormal cells using liquid nitrogen.
• Conization: Removing a cone-shaped sample of tissue from the cervix to diagnose and treat precancerous cell changes.
• Laser therapy: Using a laser to remove warts or abnormal cells.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove cancerous tumors or affected tissues.

Prevention

There are several ways to prevent HPV infection:

• Vaccination: The HPV vaccine (Gardasil and Cervarix) can protect against certain types of HPV that cause cancer and genital warts.
• Safe sex practices: Using condoms consistently and correctly can reduce the risk of HPV transmission.
• Regular screening: Getting regular Pap tests and HPV DNA tests can help detect abnormal cell changes early, when they are easier to treat.

Complications

If left untreated, HPV can lead to several complications, including:

• Cancer: HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer and other cancers.
• Genital warts: These can be painful and embarrassing, and may require treatment.
• Infertility: In rare cases, HPV can cause infertility in women by leading to the development of cervical cancer or precancerous cell changes that require surgical removal.