Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a virus that can cause several types of cancer, including cervical cancer. There are many different strains of the virus, some of which can cause changes in cervical cells that then become cancerous. Orlando, HPV is also responsible for most cases of anal cancer, as well as some vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers.
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the type of HPV strain a person has been diagnosed with. In most cases, no treatment is required aside from close monitoring by a healthcare professional. However, some strains of HPV can lead to the development of cancerous cells, which may require surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
Now that you have the basic knowledge about HPV, see below the four dangers if left untreated:
1-HPV can cause cervical cancer
This type of cancer occurs when the cells of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina) become abnormal and start to grow uncontrollably. HPV is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer, with two strains in particular — HPV 16 and HPV 18 — causing around 70% of all cases.
While cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, it is also one of the most preventable. Regular screening and vaccination can help protect against HPV infection and reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer.
2-HPV can cause anal cancer
HPV is also responsible for most cases of anal cancer, which occurs when the cells in the lower part of your large intestine become abnormal and start to grow uncontrollably. As with cervical cancer, HPV strains 16 and 18 are responsible for around 60% of all cases of anal cancer, but other strains can also contribute.
Anal cancer is less common than cervical cancer, but the incidence of this disease is increasing, particularly in homosexual and bisexual men.
3-HPV can cause vaginal cancer
Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that occurs when the cells in your vagina start to grow uncontrollably. HPV is the most common cause of vaginal cancer, with two strains in particular — HPV 16 and HPV 18 — responsible for up to 90% of all cases.
Other risk factors for vaginal cancer include smoking, being overweight or obese, poor immune function, or an infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Regular screening can help detect vaginal cancer early when it is most treatable.
4-HPV can cause vulvar cancer
Vulvar cancer is a rare type of cancer that occurs when the cells in your vulva (the external female genitalia) start to grow uncontrollably. HPV is the most common cause of vulvar cancer, with strains 16 and 18 responsible for up to 90% of all cases.
Having a poor immune function or an infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a risk factor for vulvar cancer. Regular screening can help detect vulvar cancer early when it is most treatable.
WIth HPV being the leading cause of most cancers in women, it is crucial to get vaccinated and have regular screenings done by an HPV specialist at Contemporary Women’s Care to prevent any long-term damage.
