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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.
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