Why HPV May Be Dangerous?
Most sexually active people will contract HPV, which infects cells near the point of contact.
The immune system can eliminate most HPV strains without people knowing.
Some strains such as HPV 6 and 11 cause genital warts, treated with topical creams. Thirteen strains can cause DNA mutations leading to cancer, with the cervix especially vulnerable. HPV 16 and 18 cause most cervical cancer, now the fourth most common cancer in women.
Regular screening with Pap smears can detect cervical abnormalities up to 20 years before symptoms appear. Abnormal cells are not always cancerous, but could develop into cancer in the future.
Patients with cervical issues may need regular pap smears or colposcopy.
HPV infections in the throat can lead to head and neck cancers. There is no throat equivalent of the pap smear yet.
Condom use helps prevent HPV spread during sex.
HPV vaccines are effective and given in two or three doses. Vaccinating women and men could reduce cervical cancer cases by almost 90%. Researchers are developing an injection to target HPV 16 and 18 and stop cancerous cell growth.