"Most strains of human papillomavirus are benign. Several strains of HPV can often manifest as anogenital warts. Several different types of warts found on the hands and feet have been found to be linked to HPV as well. Warts are areas of hypertrophied skin filled with keratin, and are generally not harmful but more of a nuisance. They often go away completely on their own after a span of 1 to 5 years." (Burd) Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. Cervical cancer has been shown to have a strong link to HPV, greater than the link between lung cancer and smoking (Burd). Infection of a high-risk strain, such as HPV16 or HPV18, can lead to abnormal cervical cell changes. HPV viruses typically affect the inner linings of tissues or the basal epithelium of the skin. The abnormal cervical cell changes typically involve squamous cells, and can include cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a DNA virus of which there are over 100 strains. Around 40 types of HPV affect the genital area. HPV affects the skin and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory as well as genital tracts. This virus can exist in its host in either an active or latent form.
Symptoms and Testing
Most HPV infections are asymptomatic and do not result in clinical disease. Some clinical manifestations of HPV include genital warts, respiratory papillomatosis, cervical cancer precursors, and development of several types of cancers, including cervical, anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and some head and neck cancers.
HPV infections are usually detected by testing a sample of cells to see if they contain viral DNA or RNA. There are several HPV tests that are currently approved by the FDA for three cervical screenings: for follow-up testing of women who have abnormal Pap test results, for cervical cancer screening in combination with a Pap test among women over age 30, and for use alone as a first-line primary cervical cancer screening test for women ages 25 and older. These tests can detect DNA from several high-risk HPV types but cannot identify the specific type. There are tests that can also tell if there is genetic material from HPV16 and HPV18, the two most common high-risk types, and are even able to detect HPV infections before any abnormal cervical cell changes are evident, and therefore before treatment for these cell changes is needed. For men, however, there are currently no FDA-approved tests to detect HPV. There are currently no ways to screen for HPV in men either, but there is currently research being conducted in this area.
It is necessary to schedule routine screenings such as pap smears. Talk to your doctor today.
Treatment Options:
There is no known cure for HPV. Manifestations of the virus, such as genital warts and the onset of cervical cancer or another type of cancer, are treated as normal. Genital warts, which aren’t particularly hurtful or painful, are treated with creams or through cryotherapy (freezing of the warts).
Refusing to treat genital warts does not always have negative consequences, as sometimes the warts will resolve on their own. Treatment of cervical cancer, as well as other cancers, include chemotherapy, radiation therapy to the affected area, and hysterectomy. Not treating cervical cancer will lead to death.
Limit sex partners to reduce risk of catching the virus. HPV IMAGES & VIDEOS SEE BELOW
The best treatment available is the vaccine to prevent becoming infected.