What is HPV?
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a group of viruses that belong to the Papillomaviridae family, affecting the skin and mucous membranes of the human body, such as the respiratory and genital systems. There are many types of HPV, some of which are harmless and cause common warts on the hands and feet. However, other types can cause genital infections and are associated with more serious conditions, including cancer.
Symptoms
HPV symptoms are not visible, especially in the early stages, which means many infected people do not show any symptoms. Main signs, include:
- genital warts: one of the most common symptoms, they can appear in the genital area, anus, mouth, or throat. They are usually small and can be single warts or multiple warts. Genital warts may not be bothersome, but in some cases, they can cause discomfort, itching, burning, or bleeding
- changes in the cervix: a symptom of high-risk HPV, which can be detected through a test called a Pap smear. These changes, if left untreated, can lead to the development of cervical cancer. Generally, they do not cause noticeable symptoms
Additionally, some types of high-risk HPV are associated with the development of cancer, which can include cervical cancer, anal cancer, mouth and throat cancer. It can lead to specific symptoms depending on the location, such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during sexual intercourse, and persistent sore throat.
Causes
The cause of HPV is linked to the human papillomavirus, and it is transmitted from person to person mainly through direct skin contact or during sexual activity. Among the factors that contribute to the spread of the disease are:
- sexual contact: the main mode of transmission, this includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex, as well as skin-to-skin contact in the genital and anal areas. The virus can be transmitted even when the infected person does not show visible symptoms. Therefore, condoms can help reduce the likelihood of infection but do not offer complete protection, as the virus can be present in uncovered areas
- sharing objects: although less common, HPV can also be transmitted through sharing personal items, such as towels, underwear, and bathing utensils
Diagnosis
HPV diagnosis can involve different methods, depending on the reason for the evaluation, and is performed by gynecologists, general practitioners, urologists, or dermatologists. The main approaches used in diagnosis are:
- clinical examination and evaluation of symptoms: the healthcare professional may start the diagnosis with a clinical examination and questions about the patient's symptoms and sexual history. However, many HPV infections are asymptomatic, and clinical diagnosis is not always conclusive
- pap smear: an important screening tool for cervical cancer and other related conditions that may be associated with high-risk HPV
- high-risk HPV tests: performed to detect the presence of high-risk HPV types in the cervix. This can be done in conjunction with the Pap smear
- biopsy: if there is suspicion of severe lesions or changes in the cervix, a biopsy can be performed, which is a surgical procedure where a small sample of the cervix is collected for laboratory evaluation. The biopsy can confirm the presence of abnormal cells associated with high-risk HPV
Treatment
There are several treatments available for HPV:
- medication: the most common form is the prescription of medications to be applied directly to the wart area. Ointments, creams, or acids are the most used, in addition to medications to strengthen immunity
- surgical treatment: when warts caused by HPV are in an advanced stage or do not disappear with medications, surgery is indicated. It is a procedure aimed at removing and preventing the progression of the lesion
- cauterization: a treatment indicated when lesions in the cervix are identified through the Pap smear. To prevent the case from becoming cancerous, the procedure burns the infected area to allow healthy cells to develop
- cryotherapy: another way to treat external warts caused by HPV. The procedure is performed in a specialized clinic that freezes the wart, causing it to disappear over time
Prevention
Preventing HPV is essential to reduce the risk of infection and its complications, such as genital warts and, in some cases, cancer. The main measures to protect yourself are:
- vaccination: one of the most effective forms of prevention. Currently, there are several vaccines available that protect against high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer and also against low-risk types that cause genital warts
- safe sex practices: using condoms consistently and correctly during vaginal, anal, and oral sex can help reduce the risk of HPV infection
References
Pan American Health Organization
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