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A Closer Look at HPV and Its Relationship with Cervical Cancer

The acronym HPV stands for Human papillomaviruses, which consist of a group of viruses. Papillomas are benign tumors and some of the HPV viruses produce them. These tumors tend to grow in areas such as the hands, feet, throat or genital areas. The causes of the warts vary. The HPV viruses that cause warts on the hands and feet differ from the ones that cause warts on the throat and genital areas. Out of the 100 HPV’s that exist, there are some that are thought to lead to cancer.

Only 30 types of HPV are contagious. Meaning that 70 types cannot be passed on from person to person. HPV’s are transmitted sexually but the actual time of infection is generally unknown. The majority of HPV’s run their course without treatment or cures. They can exist in the body without altering any cells.

Genital warts or condylomata acurninatum, are caused by two different types of HPV. HPV6 and HPV 11 cause genital warts. Typically people see warts a couple of weeks after they have sex with an infected partner. Some people acquire HPV and warts do not appear for months or years. Others never get warts.

HPV infections generally do not cause symptoms. You can have HPV and never have any clue. HPV’s are a major contributor to the number of cervical cancer cases. Cervical cancer is a devastating disease that kills effects women around the world. Recently studies have suggested that HPV’s may play a major role in several different types of cancer.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers associated with HPV’s. There are 14 HPV’s, in addition to HPV 6 and HPV 11 that may lead to cancer. These sexually transmitted HPV’s are referred to as benign high risk . If the HPV’s that are not the ones associated with genital warts produce any symptoms, they are very mild. Slightly raised growths on the genitals are typically the only symptoms that manifest themselves in non genital warts causing HPV’s.

When it comes to HPV infections and cervical cancer, there are several different factors that may increase susceptibility. Multiple sex partners increase the risk of cervical cancer. Being infected with a high risk HPV also increases the chance o the virus leading to cervical cancer. Women that smoke, have many children increase their risk of developing cervical cancer if they acquire HPV.

While HPV’s should be something that all sexually active people should be aware of, HPV’s leading to cervical cancer presents only a small risk. Most people that get HPV will never have any symptoms or repercussions from it.

There is now and FDA approved vaccination that can help prevent HPV16, 18, 6 and 11. HPV 16 and 18 cause the overwhelming majority of cervical cancers. In order to avoid HPV infections, completely you have to refrain from sex all together. For most people this is an unrealistic expectation.

However, by maintaining a low number of sexual partners and being in a mutually monogamous relationship, the risk of contracting HPV can be drastically cu down.

HPV can be detected with an HPV test. If a Pap smear displays abnormal cells, an HPV test can be given to find out if it is present.

The best way to maintain a healthy cervix is to make sure that you have a Pap smear every year. When it comes to health the best defense is a strong offense. Visit your physician or gynecologist for a pap smear every year. Teenagers and women under a certain age are eligible for the HPV vaccination. Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccination.