What is HPV? Human Papillomavirus Infections

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted infection affecting both males and females and is the cause of nearly all cases of cervical cancer. Unlike other sexually transmitted infections, most signs and symptoms of HPV are nonexistent; therefore, most are unaware of their infection.
Of the more than 40 types of HPV, some types may cause genital warts and a small number may lead to cervical, vulvae, vaginal and anal cancers in women or anal and penile cancers in men. Various types may also transmit infection to the mouth and throat, and they have been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

What is HPV? Human Papillomavirus

Screening and prevention

Screening for HPV is usually carried out by a Pap smear or by liquid-based cytology to detect abnormal cells. When abnormal cells are detected, a colposcopic inspection is recommended. During this procedure, biopsies are performed and abnormal cells removed via cauterizing loop or, more commonly, by cryotherapy.
Although there is no current treatment for HPV, the two HPV vaccines (Cervarix, GlaxoSmithKline and Gardasil, Merck) provide protection from infection with HPV types 16 and 18 — the cause of 70% of cervical cancer.
According to the CDC, “Condom use may reduce the risk for genital HPV infection.” However, when compared with other sexually transmitted infections, condom use provides a lesser degree of protection because HPV can also be transmitted via exposure to infected skin or mucosal surfaces not protected by condom use.

Infection temporary

In most girls, HPV infection is temporary and does not have a significant long-term effect. Within 1 year, 70% of HPV infections are cured; 90% are cured within 2 years. Yet, in 5% to 10% of women, HPV infection persists. These patients are at a significant risk for precancerous lesions of the cervix, which may lead to invasive cervical cancer within 10 to 15 years.
On rare occasions, mothers with genital HPV can pass on the virus to their baby during delivery, and the baby may develop recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. This is a condition in which warts grow on the throat and is referred to as juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in older children.
Connection to other cancers
Data suggest HPV is also linked to lung and throat cancers.

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