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CANCER & TREATMENTS SUPPORT & SURVIVORSHIP PREVENTION & RISK ASSESSMENT CLINICAL TRIALS & RESEARCH | |
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Home > Prevention & Risk Assessment > Early Detection > Detecting Pre-cancerous Gynecologic Conditions Human Papillomavirus (HPV)Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the name of a group of viruses. There are many types of HPV, including types that cause genital warts and types that can possibly develop into cancer if not treated. HPV infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases.Most HPV infections are not dangerous to your health. However, some types of HPV are related to the development of cervical cancer and other types of cancers. For this reason it is especially important for women who have had HPV infection to have regular Pap smears to check for precancerous conditions. If you have an abnormal Pap smear or have already been diagnosed with HPV, the Colposcopy Clinic provides treatment. How does it occur? Many types of HPV are passed from one person to another during sexual relations. Several of these types cause genital warts. Some types of HPV infection develop without sexual relations.Genital warts usually appear on the inside and outside of the genital area. They may spread to other nearby areas of the body. You may get warts in your mouth if you have had oral sexual contact with an infected person. Genital warts are seen more often in women who have several sexual partners or who have a male partner who has several sexual partners. What are the symptoms of HPV infection? Many times there are no symptoms. In other cases growths that you can feel (warts) may appear in the genital or rectal area within several weeks, months, or years after contact with an infected person.You may also have:
How is it diagnosed? Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and examine your genital area, as well as the anus and surrounding skin. Your provider may use a magnifying instrument, or scope, to look closely at your genitals.If you are a woman, you will have a pelvic exam. Often HPV is discovered when a Pap Test is done. If the results of a Pap smear are abnormal, your provider may examine your genital area, vagina, and cervix with a colposcope. Your provider may do a biopsy, removing a sample of tissue for lab tests. The exam and tests will help determine if HPV is the reason for the abnormal Pap smear. An abnormal Pap smear does not necessarily mean that you have HPV. There are other reasons for abnormal results. There is also a DNA test that can be done to see if the type of HPV you have is the type associated with cervical cancer. How is it treated? >>medicines that are put on the
site of the HPV infection >>laser treatment--a high-intensity light beam used to destroy the infection >>electrosurgery--an electric current used to burn or remove the infection with a wire loop >>surgery--cutting away the growths or infection. If you have several growths or large growths, you may need to have a local anesthetic before your health care provider removes the warts. Genital warts that persist or recur after standard treatment may be treated with shots of interferon. Interferons are proteins that boost the body's immune response and help keep viruses from multiplying. How long will the effects last? Treatment can remove the warts, but it may not eliminate the virus. As a result, the warts may come back and you may need more treatments. Most HPV infections are not dangerous to your health. However, some types of HPV are related to the development of cervical cancer and other types of cancers. For this reason it is especially important for women who have had HPV infection to have regular Pap smears to check for precancerous conditions. How can I take care of myself? If you have an unusual vaginal discharge or irritation, or if you notice growths in the genital area, see your provider. If you have an abnormal Pap test, follow your provider's advice for tests and treatment. What can be done to help prevent HPV or its complications? Use latex or polyurethane condoms during sexual intercourse. Condoms can reduce your risk of getting genital warts, but warts can spread from areas not covered by a condom. Have just one sexual partner who is not sexually active with anyone else. Avoid sexual contact until genital warts or HPV is treated. Avoid smoking. Studies show that smoking increases the risks and problems related to HPV infection. Reviewed by Jennifer Reilly, Lukela, MD - UMHS Briarwood Medical Group, June 7, 2005 updated 1/2006 Developed by McKesson Health Solutions LLC. |
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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center |
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