The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer in women. There are more than 100 known strains of the virus, and the virus gets its name for the warts, called papillomas, that can appear as a result of the virus.
Characteristics
Because HPV is a virus, it multiplies by entering the body's cells, then mutating the cells in order to further replicate. In the case of HPV, this means that once a particular strain enters the body, it can be treated but not cured. Therefore, HPV does not ever go away, but symptoms can be improved.
How Is HPV Detected?
HPV rarely causes symptoms or complications in men and is virtually impossible to detect in men. However, women can be testing for HPV via a pap smear, in which a physician takes a tissue sample from a women's cervix to test for the presence of potentially cancerous HPV. The tissue sample is then sent to a lab for further review, and if cancer or abnormalities are detected, a doctor may determine further treatments. Because HPV is always present in the body, there is no better or worse time to test for HPV.
Treatments
Treatment for HPV depends on the type of strain. Some infections that occur as a result of HPV are treated by the body's immune system. However, some must be treated via topical medications, removal of papilloma warts or, sometimes, chemotherapy.
Can HPV Be Prevented?
The transmission of HPV can be prevented through practicing safe sex, in which a woman's partner wears a condom. Also, a vaccine for women ages 13 to 26 that guards against the four most deadly strains of HPV is now available. This vaccine is called Gardasil. Because the disease cannot be cured, preventing HPV is doubly important.
Risk Factors
Those who have had multiple sex partners, are not in a monogamous sexual relationship, began having sexual intercourse at age 16 or younger or are younger than age 25 are consider to be at heightened risk for HPV.
Do Women Still Need Pap Tests?
Because the vaccine only protects against certain strains of HPV, women will still need to undergo yearly to biannual pap smears to ensure cervical cancer is not present.
Tags: cervical cancer, tissue sample