Human Papillomavirus - HPV - Symptoms and Treatment

Human Papillomavirus - HPV

Human Papillomavirus, HPV is a common virus that spreads through sexual contact. There are many different types of HPV, some linked to cancer.

The type most commonly associated with cancer is called HPV 16, which can cause cervical cancers in females, anal cancers in males and females, and head/neck cancers in both males and females.

All girls should have the Human Papillomavirus vaccine at 11 or 12 years of age before any sexual contact occurs. All boys should have the vaccine at 11 or 12 years of age before any sexual contact occurs as well.

Cervical Cancer is the number one type of cancer in women under 35 years of age. Women who smoke and those who had more than one sexual partner, as well as women who started having sexual intercourse at an early age, are at a higher risk for cervical cancer.

Women should go through a Pap smear every year, and those over 30 years of age should begin every three years. Cervical cancer is preventable with the HPV vaccine and can be treated with surgery and/or radiation.

HPV can also cause genital warts. Genital warts may appear small or large and can be on the vagina or anus. They look like small, cauliflower-shaped growths that are hard to touch. You can have both HPV and genital warts.

HPV can be transmitted by sexual contact with someone who has the virus. It is estimated that 79 million people in the US have Human Papillomavirus, but many show no symptoms of having it, and some pass it through sexual contact without knowing it.

HPV vaccines like Gardasil and Gardisil9 prevent most cases of cervical, anal, and head/neck cancers caused by HPV types 16 and 18; genital warts; precancerous lesions; and some vulvar, vaginal, and penile cancers caused by non-vaccine types.

The first HPV vaccine was approved in 2006. This vaccine is called Gardasil. It is given to prevent genital warts, cervical, anal, and head/neck cancers caused by types 16 and 18 of genital HPV.

Gardasil protects against both vaccines types 9 and 14, which are found in the Pap test samples.

Type-specific information on adverse events (AEs) for Gardasil can be found here10 (Adverse events that occur after vaccination).

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not received any reports of deaths related to Gardasil; however, it cannot rule out the possibility that there are some deaths not reported to the FDA.

Treatment of HPV

HPV is treatable. Examples of treatment include the following:

·         Cryotherapy (freezing off)

·         Laser surgery (destroys the abnormal tissue)

·         Surgical excision (cutting out the lesion)

·         Excisional techniques, such as surgical shaves or local excision with cauterization.

Frequently Asked Questions HPV

What are the Symptoms of HPV?

Symptoms may include one or more of the following:

·         Small bumps or warts around mouth, chin, nose, or throat

·         Small growths on your genital area

·         Pain or burning feeling when urinating

·         Infertility (can't get pregnancy)

·         Cervical cancer (women)

·         Anal cancer (males and females)

·         Head/neck cancer (males and females)

Is it Common?

HPV is a common virus that spreads through sexual contact. There are many different types of HPV, some linked to cancers.

The type most commonly associated with cancers of the cervix, anus, vagina/vulva, penis, and oropharynx is called HPV 16.

It can cause cervical cancers in females, anal cancers in males and females, vaginal/vulvar cancers in males and females, penile cancers in males, oral cavity/oropharyngeal cancers in both males and females.

How is it Treated?

HPV can be treated. Examples of treatment include the following:

·         Cryotherapy (freezing off)

·         Laser surgery (destroys the abnormal tissue)

·         Surgical excision (cutting out the lesion)

·         Excisional techniques, such as surgical shaves or local excision with cauterization.

The HPV vaccine is a great way to prevent cancer. The vaccines remove most cases of cervical cancers caused by HPV types 16 and 18; genital warts; precancerous lesions; and some vulvar, vaginal, and penile cancers caused by non-vaccine types.