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HPV infection is a viral infection that usually develops growths on the skin or mucous membranes (warts). There are over 100 different types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Some HPV infections cause warts, while others can lead to various types of cancer.
Most HPV infections do not result in cancer. However, some genital HPV strains can cause cancer of the lower region of the uterus that attaches to the vagina (cervix). Cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva, and back of the neck (oropharyngeal) have also been associated to HPV infection.
These illnesses are frequently transmitted by sexual intercourse or other forms of skin-to-skin contact. Vaccines can provide some protection against the strains of HPV that are most likely to cause genital warts or cervical cancer.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HPV?
Most HPV infections are defeated by your body's immune system before they become warts. When warts do emerge, their appearance varies depending on the type of HPV involved:
- Genital warts: These manifest themselves as flat lesions, small cauliflower-like pimples, or tiny stemlike protrusions. In women, genital warts are most commonly found on the vulva, although they can also be found near the anus, on the cervix, or in the vagina.
Genital warts develop on the penis, scrotum, or around the anus in men. Though they may itch or feel tender, genital warts rarely cause discomfort or pain.
- Common warts: Common warts are rough, raised blemishes that typically form on the hands and fingers. Common warts are typically ugly, but they can also be unpleasant or prone to damage or bleeding.
- Plantar warts: Plantar warts are hard, granular growths found on the heels or balls of your feet. These warts could be bothersome.
- Flat warts: Flat warts are lesions with a flat top that are slightly elevated. They can appear anywhere, but youngsters frequently have them on their faces, while men getthem in their beards. Women are more likely to get them on their legs.
Cervical cancer
HPV infections cause nearly all cervical malignancies, yet cervical cancer can develop 20 years or more after an HPV infection. In most cases, HPV infection and early cervical cancer do not create visible symptoms. Getting vaccinated against HPV infection is your best line of defense against cervical cancer.
Because early cervical cancer does not create symptoms, women must have regular screenings to detect any precancerous changes in the cervix that could lead to cancer. Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should receive a Pap test every three years, according to current recommendations.
Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should have a Pap test every three years, or every five years if they also obtain the HPV DNA test. Women over the age of 65 can stop testing if they have had three consecutive normal Pap tests or two HPV DNA and Pap tests with no abnormal results.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HPV?
When the virus enters your body, it usually does so through a cut, abrasion, or small tear in your skin. The virus is primarily transmitted by skin-to-skin contact.
HPV infections in the vaginal region are spread through sexual contact, anal sex, and other skin-to-skin contact. Oral sex is how some HPV infections that cause oral or upper respiratory lesions are contracted.
If you are pregnant and have an HPV infection with genital warts, your baby may contract the infection. In rare cases, the infection may result in a noncancerous development in the baby's voice box (larynx).
Warts are spreadable. They can spread by coming into direct touch with a wart. Warts can also spread when someone touches something that has already been in contact with a wart.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR HPV?
HPV infections are rather prevalent. HPV infection risk factors include:
- Number of sexual partners: The more sexual partners you have, the more likely it is that you may have a genital HPV infection. Having sex with a partner who has already had several sex partners raises your risk.
- Age: Common warts are particularly common among children. Adolescents and young adults are the most likely to develop genital warts.
- Weakened immune systems: People with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to HPV infections. HIV/AIDS can damage immune systems, as can immuno-suppressing medicines used following organ transplants.
- Skin damage: Common warts are more likely to grow in areas of skin that have been punctured or opened.
- Personal contact: Touching someone's warts or not wearing protection before coming into touch with HPV-infected surfaces, such as public showers or swimming pools, may raise your chance of infection.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF HPV?
- Upper respiratory and oral lesions: Some HPV infections result in lesions on your tongue, tonsils, soft palate, larynx, and nose.
- Cancer: Cervical cancer can be caused by some strains of HPV. These strains may also contribute to vaginal, anus, oral, and upper respiratory tract malignancies.
HOW IS HPV DIAGNOSED?
By examining your warts, your doctor may be able to diagnose HPV infection.
If no genital warts are evident, one or more of the following tests will be required:
- Vinegar (acetic acid) solution test: When an HPV-infected vaginal region is treated with vinegar, it turns white. This may aid in the detection of difficult-to-see flat lesions.
- Pap test: Your doctor takes a sample of cells from your cervix or vagina to be analyzed in the lab. Pap testing can detect cancer-causing abnormalities.
- DNA test: This test, performed on cervix cells, can detect the DNA of the high-risk forms of HPV that have been related to genital malignancies. In addition to the Pap test, it is advised for women over the age of 30.
HOW IS HPV TREATED?
Warts frequently disappear without treatment, especially in children. However, because there is no cure for the virus, it can recur in the same or other locations.
Medications
Wart removal medications are often placed directly to the lesion and require multiple treatments before they are effective. Here are several examples:
- Salicylic acid: Over-the-counter salicylic acid treatments work by eliminating layers of a wart one at a time. Salicylic acid can cause skin irritation when used on common warts and should not be used on your face.
- Imiquimod: This prescription ointment may help your immune system fight off HPV. Redness and swelling at the application site are common side effects.
- Podofilox: Podofilox, another topical medication, acts by eliminating genital wart tissue. Wherever podofilox is applied, it may produce burning and irritation.
- Trichloroacetic acid: This chemical treatment removes warts from the palms, soles, and genital area. It has the potential to induce local irritation.
Surgical and other procedures
If drugs do not work, your doctor may advise you to remove warts using one of the following methods:
- Liquid nitrogen freezing (cryotherapy)
- Using an electrical current to burn (electrocautery)
- Surgical removal
- Laser surgery
HPV treatment in the cervix
If your HPV or Pap test results are abnormal, your gynecologist will perform a colposcopy. Your doctor will examine the cervix closely and take samples (biopsy) of any areas that appear abnormal using a magnified view of the cervix (colposcope).
Precancerous lesions must be eliminated. Freezing (cryosurgery), laser, surgical removal, loop electrosurgical excision method (LEEP), and cold knife conization are all options. LEEP is a surgical treatment that removes a small layer of the cervix with a thin looped wire charged with an electric current, while cold knife conization is a medical procedure that removes a cone-shaped piece of the cervix.