Or is it just an ordinary viral disease against which we need to take precautions?
If you have HPV, is it all over? (Of course not!!!)
The “human papillomavirus”, also known as HPV, is a type of virus that is transmitted sexually, has very many types and can also cause cancer of the cervix. HPV is the abbreviation of the words human papillomavirus.
The virus can become dangerous both because it is transmitted very easily and because it goes unnoticed for many years. According to the research carried out, 99% of the HPV tests of people with cancer of the cervix were positive.
To take precautions against cancer of the cervix, which is among the leading types of cancer in which early diagnosis saves lives, it is recommended that women with an active sexual life certainly have the test and that women who do not yet have an active sexual life have the HPV vaccine. Because it causes very serious problems, you must definitely not neglect protection and precautions against HPV.
Does it always show itself?
Unfortunately, most of the time it does not show itself. This is especially true of infection with high-risk HPV types. It typically causes damage in the cell DNA.
Over the years the existing lesions progress, first to an intermediate lesion (at this stage we can easily detect and treat them at check-ups) and later they can progress to cancer of the cervix.
Having check-ups regularly is very important
As we stated earlier, HPV most of the time does not show itself. The types that cause genital warts are in any case not related to cancer of the cervix. They can only sometimes create a problem in terms of appearance and hygiene and, if there is a pregnancy, at the birth.
If it causes genital warts, the virus can be noticed by chance. However, the type of virus that causes genital warts is the benign virus. It is generally detected in the smear and HPV test carried out in women who have their routine check-ups. If it is detected in this way, it can be treated early without leading to a bad outcome.
In terms of cancer of the cervix, it is very important that these check-ups, the examination and the Pap smear test, are carried out regularly. Because this virus gives no sign until the disease has advanced considerably.
It is not the case that once the virus has entered the body it will definitely lead to cancer of the cervix. First of all the immune system tries to overcome the virus, mostly overcomes it and clears the virus from the body. But less often the virus continues to remain in the body and over the years leads to cancer of the cervix.
There are more than 100 types!
The HPV virus has more than 100 types. The infection that arises from the virus can cause cell changes and cell divisions that are invisible to the eye. The uncontrolled cell divisions caused by the virus lead to cancer of the cervix.
The Pap smear test (cervical cancer screening test)
The cells shed from the cervix during the examination are collected with special brushes and sent to pathology. It is a painless and simple procedure. It can easily be done during the gynaecological examination. There is no need to be afraid at all of having this test. What should be feared is not having the test.
Who is the HPV vaccine suitable for? How is it treated?
It is advised that the HPV vaccine be given to people whose active sexual life has not yet begun. Giving the vaccine before sexual contact is very important for maximum benefit. Having had sexual contact is not a reason preventing vaccination. This vaccine can be given between the ages of 11 and 28 in three doses.
Because there are now very different types, in some selected patients the vaccine can also be given after sexual activity or when some types in the HPV test are positive.
After the first vaccination, 2 months are awaited for the second, and after the second vaccination, 4 months for the third. For warts that have appeared due to HPV, treatment methods such as cream, removal of the warts, burning with laser or with a biochemical agent, or vaporisation are today applied successfully. One of the leading treatment options is trichloroacetic acid. It is recommended to patients as a quite comfortable treatment option.
Do not neglect the smear test
People who are HPV positive, and especially women, need to be much more careful about cancer. It is advised that these people certainly have the smear test carried out for cancer of the cervix regularly and that they do not miss their medical check-ups.
Finally, the detection of HPV does not mean that the person is finished, will definitely have cancer or is cursed. With good follow-up alone and by doing what is necessary, many problems that could be experienced in the future are prevented.
I wish you healthy days.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taner Usta
Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology