Summary about Disease
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection that is primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, most often during sexual activity. There are over 200 types of HPV, some of which can cause warts on the genitals, anus, mouth, or throat. Other types can lead to cancer, most notably cervical cancer, but also cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva, and oropharynx (back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils). Many HPV infections are asymptomatic and clear up on their own without causing any health problems.
Symptoms
Genital warts: These appear as small, fleshy bumps or groups of bumps in the genital area, anus, or groin. They can be raised or flat, single or multiple, and sometimes cauliflower-shaped.
Common warts: These usually appear on the fingers or hands and are rough, raised bumps.
Plantar warts: These grow on the soles of the feet and can be painful.
Flat warts: These are flat, slightly raised lesions that can appear anywhere on the body.
Asymptomatic infection: Many HPV infections, particularly those that can lead to cancer, do not cause any symptoms. These are typically detected through screening tests like Pap smears.
Cancers: Cancers caused by HPV may present with a variety of symptoms depending on the location of the cancer.
Causes
HPV is caused by infection with the human papillomavirus. The virus is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during sexual activity (vaginal, anal, or oral sex). It can also be transmitted through non-penetrative sexual contact. Less commonly, HPV can be transmitted from a mother to her baby during childbirth. HPV spreads easily because it can be present even when there are no visible signs or symptoms.
Medicine Used
Wart treatments:
Topical medications: These include creams, gels, or solutions containing ingredients like imiquimod, podophyllin, podofilox, or trichloroacetic acid (TCA). These medications are applied directly to the warts to destroy them.
Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the warts off with liquid nitrogen.
Electrocautery: This uses an electrical current to burn off the warts.
Laser therapy: This uses a laser to destroy the warts.
Surgical excision: This involves cutting the warts off with a scalpel.
Treatments for HPV-related precancerous lesions and cancers:
LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure): This uses a heated wire loop to remove abnormal cells from the cervix.
Cone biopsy: This involves removing a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix for diagnosis and treatment.
Hysterectomy: This is the surgical removal of the uterus and is sometimes necessary for advanced cervical cancer.
Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: This uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: This uses medications to help the body's immune system fight cancer.
HPV Vaccine: Gardasil 9, protects against several types of HPV that cause cancers and genital warts.
Is Communicable
Yes, HPV is highly communicable. It spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during sexual activity.
Precautions
Vaccination: Get vaccinated against HPV. The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before a person becomes sexually active.
Safe sex practices: Use condoms consistently and correctly during sexual activity. While condoms don't offer complete protection, they can reduce the risk of transmission.
Limit sexual partners: Reducing the number of sexual partners can lower the risk of HPV infection.
Regular screening: Women should get regular Pap smears and HPV tests to screen for cervical cancer.
Avoid smoking: Smoking weakens the immune system and increases the risk of HPV-related cancers.
Be aware of your partner's sexual history: Communicate openly with your partner about their sexual history and STD status.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of an HPV outbreak (e.g., genital warts) varies. Warts may disappear on their own within a few months to two years. Treatment can shorten the duration. However, even after warts are removed, the virus may remain dormant in the body and warts can recur. Many HPV infections are cleared by the immune system within 1-2 years without causing any symptoms.
How is it diagnosed?
Visual examination: Genital warts can often be diagnosed by a visual examination by a healthcare provider.
Pap smear: This test screens for abnormal cells in the cervix that could be caused by HPV infection.
HPV test: This test detects the presence of HPV DNA or RNA in cervical cells. It is often done in conjunction with a Pap smear, particularly in women over 30.
Colposcopy: If a Pap smear is abnormal, a colposcopy may be performed. This involves using a special magnifying instrument to examine the cervix more closely.
Biopsy: A biopsy may be taken during a colposcopy to confirm the presence of HPV-related changes in the cervical cells.
Acetic acid (vinegar) test: Applying dilute acetic acid to the genital area can make warts more visible.
Timeline of Symptoms
Incubation period: The time between HPV infection and the appearance of symptoms can range from several weeks to several months or even years.
Wart development: If warts develop, they may appear within a few weeks to months after infection.
Asymptomatic infection: Many people with HPV infection never develop symptoms. The infection may clear on its own without any noticeable signs.
Precancerous changes: In some cases, HPV infection can lead to precancerous changes in the cervix, which can take several years to develop.
Cancer development: If precancerous changes are not treated, they can eventually develop into cancer, which can take many years (10-20 years or more).
Important Considerations
Most HPV infections are harmless: The majority of HPV infections clear up on their own without causing any health problems.
HPV is very common: Most sexually active people will get HPV at some point in their lives.
Vaccination is key: HPV vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent infection with the types of HPV that cause cancer and genital warts.
Regular screening is important: Women should get regular Pap smears and HPV tests to screen for cervical cancer.
HPV can affect men too: While HPV is often associated with cervical cancer, it can also cause cancers of the anus, penis, and oropharynx in men.
Open communication: Talking openly with your partner about sexual health and HPV is important for preventing transmission and promoting overall health.
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing cancer: There is no cure for HPV, but treatments are available to manage warts and prevent the development of cancer.