HPV and Cancer: What You Need to Know About This Silent Threat

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection that’s passed between people through skin-to-skin contact. There are more than 100 different types of HPV, more than 40 of which are transmitted through sexual contact and can harm your mouth, throat, and genitalia. The most prevalent sexually transmitted illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is HPV (STI).

Even if they have few sexual partners, it will happen to the majority of sexually active persons at some point since it is so prevalent. There may be instances of genital HPV infection that have no negative health effects. However, some kinds of HPV can result in the growth of genital warts as well as throat, cervix, and anus malignancies.

SPREAD: 

By engaging in vaginal, anal, or oral sex with a carrier of the virus, you can contract HPV. The most frequent ways for it to spread are through anal or vaginal sexual activity. Additionally, it can spread through close skin-to-skin contact. Even if they show no signs or symptoms, an HPV-positive individual can still transmit the infection to another person.

Even if you have only had one sexual encounter, if you are sexually active, you can contract HPV. You also can get symptoms years after having sexual contact with someone who has the illness. Knowing when you originally received it is difficult as a result.

SYMPTOMS:

Since HPV infections frequently have no symptoms, you might not be aware that you have one. Where symptoms do develop, they will differ depending on the HPV strain. Genital warts are caused by one of the most prevalent HPV strains. Many persons who carry this HPV strain won't have any symptoms or be aware that they are infected.

Genital wart symptoms include:

• one or more tiny, flesh-colored or grey, painless growths or bumps on your upper thighs, vagina, penis, or anus
• itching or bleeding from the anus or genitalia
• a persistent deviation from the typical direction of your urination, like passing urine sideways.

If the warts are inside, they could be difficult to see (inside the vagina or anus).

After coming in touch with the virus that causes genital warts, symptoms might take weeks, months, or even years to develop. It's crucial to attend a clinic to get any genital wart symptoms evaluated if you have them.

HEALTH PROBLEMS:

Health issues caused by HPV include

• Genital warts
• Cervical cancer.

DIAGNOSIS:

A person's "HPV status" cannot be determined with a test. In addition, there is no approved HPV test to detect the virus in the throat or mouth. Cervical cancer can be screened for with HPV testing. These tests are exclusively used by medical professionals to check women who are 30 years of age and older. Men, teenagers, and women under the age of 30 should not be screened for HPV testing. 

Most HPV carriers are unaware of their infection. They never experience any symptoms or health issues as a result. When they develop genital warts, some people learn they have HPV. Women may find out they have HPV when they get an abnormal Pap test result (during cervical cancer screening). Others could learn about HPV only after experiencing more severe issues, like cancer.

TREATMENT: 

The HPV virus has no known cure, and the majority of infections are painless. If HPV results in issues like genital warts or changes to cervix cells, treatment is required. 

1. Genital warts (low-risk HPV): Genital warts can be removed more easily the earlier they receive the treatment. Creams, freezing, or heating might be used to get rid of the warts. This is dependent on the kind of warts and their location. A healthcare professional should always be consulted before employing any genital wart treatments. The virus that causes warts cannot be cured, despite the fact that various therapies can eradicate the warts themselves. However, the bodies of some individuals can eventually rid themselves of the infection.
2. Cancer-causing HPV (high-risk HPV): If a cervical screening test reveals abnormal cells on the cervix, it may be required to remove them in order to prevent the growth of cancer-causing HPV (high-risk HPV). Being tested early has two benefits. First, find and eliminate HPV-related precancerous lesions. In order to stop invasive malignancies from growing, these are removed. Early detection of cervical cancers through screening also increases the likelihood that they will be successfully operated upon when discovered at an early stage.

HPV EFFECT ON PREGNANCY:

In rare cases, a woman with HPV can pass it on to her baby. When this happens, a rare but serious condition called recurrent respiratory papillomatosis may occur. In this condition, children develop HPV-related growths in their airways.

HPV infection during pregnancy increases the risk of developing genital warts or cervix abnormal cell alterations. Regular screening for cervical cancer can aid in identifying abnormal cell alterations. Even while you are pregnant, you should have routine cervical cancer screening.

PREVENTION:

There are various things you may do to lessen your risk of contracting HPV.

Get vaccinated: 

The HPV vaccine is both secure and reliable. When administered at the prescribed age ranges, it can offer protection against illnesses (including malignancies) brought on by HPV.

Get a cervical cancer screening:

Cervical cancer can be prevented in women between the ages of 21 and 65 with routine screening.

If you engage in sexual activity:

• Practice safer sexual activity
• Be in a committed monogamous relationship, or limit your sexual activity to that person.