What is it?
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a virus which can infect cells in the genital area. HPV infection is sexually transmitted.
It is spread by skin-to-skin contact. Both men and women can become infected with HPV. Approximately 75% of sexually
active men and women will acquire one or more HPV infection during their lifetimes. Sexually active women younger than
25 years of age have the highest HPV infection rates.
Is there more than one HPV virus?
There are over 100 different types of HPV viruses. Forty (40) different HPV types can infect the genital area.
These forty HPV viruses have either a low or a high risk cancer potential. The most common low risk HPV types
are HPV 6 and HPV 8. The most common high risk HPV types are HPV 16 and HPV 18.
What the “big deal” about HPV infection?
Infection with high-risk HPV types is associated with cervical cancer. High risk HPV types are found in 99.7% of
all cervical cancers. Abnormal cervical changes due to a persistent HPV
infection are considered a precursor to the
development for cervical cancer.
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HPV types 16 and 18 are associated with seventy percent (70%) of the cervical cancers.
While cervical cancer is more prevalent outside of the Unites States, it is
estimated that in the US there will be 9700 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed and 3700 deaths from cervical cancer in 2006.
Infection with low risk HPV types is associated with unsightly genital warts,
mild dysplasia on Pap smears, and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. HPV types 6 and 8 are associated with ninety percent (90%)
of genital warts.
| HPV: |
types |
most
common |
associated
with |
| |
low risk |
6, 8 |
warts |
| |
high risk |
16, 18 |
cancer |
Will the new vaccine cure the HPV infection?
No. While most infections with low risk HPV types will resolve spontaneously within 24 months, there is no treatment/ cure for persistent
HPV infections. The newly marketed HPV vaccine is given to prevent HPV infections. The vaccine consists of non- infectious antigenic
material which causes the body to produce antibodies against specific HPV viruses.
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For maximum effectivenes, it is recommended for girls
prior to the onset of sexual activity (ages 10- 12 years).
In June, 2006, the FDA approved the use of the new HVP vaccine, Gardasil, for
females ages 9 – 26 years.
Can I prevent HPV by using condoms?
No. Condoms do not appear to lower the risk of HPV infections, because HPV is spread by skin to skin contact.
However, failure to use condoms is associated with higher rates of genital warts and cervical cancer.
I have HPV, will I get cancer?
See your doctor. The progression from abnormal cells, dysplasia, on the cervix due to persistent HPV infection
to cervical cancer usually takes years. Pap smears can detect HPV related diseases. HPV testing can detect high risk
HPV types, identifying those women at greater risk for cervical cancer. Repeat Pap smears at regular intervals can
detect progression of abnormal cells changes due to persistent HPV infection.
Additionally, there are treatment options for cervical dysplasia to help to prevent the development of cervical cancer.
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