Diseases Associated with HPV
What Is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that infects the skin and mucosal surfaces. There are over 200 types of HPV, some of which cause genital warts, while others can lead to serious conditions such as cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer.
Diseases Associated with HPV
- Genital Warts (Condylomas): Caused by low-risk HPV types (especially types 6 and 11), these are usually harmless but can be bothersome.
- Cervical Cancer: High-risk HPV types (especially types 16 and 18) are the primary cause of cervical cancer.
- Vaginal and Vulvar Cancer: High-risk HPV types can also lead to cancers in these areas.
- Anal and Oropharyngeal Cancers: HPV can cause cancer in the anus and the mouth-throat region as well.
What Is Colposcopy?
Colposcopy is a specialized imaging technique that allows a detailed examination of the cervix. It is typically performed after an abnormal Pap smear result.
How Is Colposcopy Performed?
- The patient is positioned for a gynecological examination.
- A speculum is inserted into the vagina, and special solutions are applied to the cervix to identify abnormal cells.
- If necessary, a biopsy is taken for further analysis.
When Should Colposcopy Be Done?
- If abnormalities are detected in a Pap smear test
- If high-risk HPV types are identified
- If suspicious lesions are present on the cervix
For more information on the diagnosis and treatment of HPV-related diseases, feel free to contact us.
