What is the Meaning & Definition of HPV (human papillomavirus)

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The Human Papilloma Virus, better known by its acronym HPV, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases at present, produces lesions type warts, or papillomas, which to be located in the cervix of women constitute a major risk factor for development of cervical cancer or cervical cancer. It is estimated that HPV is responsible for 5% of all cases of cancer around the world.
There are three main forms of HPV infection, they are the common warts that are located mainly in fingers, warts Plantar located on the soles of the feet and condylomas which are warts that are located in the oral, anal or genital area constituting a sexually transmitted disease.
This infection often evolve to healing in a span of several months to two years, especially the first two types, in the case of these condylomas can grow and invade the entire genital and perianal subsequently spread to the inside of the vagina and cervix. Men and women carriers of this disease are transmitted during sexual contact to their partners, even if they are asymptomatic carriers.
There are many types of HPV, it refers to some 150 different serotypes, however all they only 15 are able to give rise to the formation of the cancer of cervix, especially two of them, the serotypes 16 and 18. Infection with HPV is often purchased at ages young at the start of sexual activity, especially by conduct such as promiscuity, high number of sexual partners and unprotected sex, especially if there are conditions that weaken the immune system such as poor nutrition, chronic diseases, other infections, especially by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), smoking, passive anal sex, drug and steroid use.
While HPV lesions are visible to the naked eye, it is possible that these only located at the level of the cervix, so for your identification is necessary to practice a PAP, so a sample of this structure is taken during a gynecological examination; When there is suspicious lesions of malignancy diagnosis is confirmed with the completion of a biopsy.
Treatment of HPV lesions involves its removal by surgery, by application of acid or liquid nitrogen freezing by a procedure known as cryosurgery. Faced with this infection to best strategy is prevention, through the adoption of responsible sexual behavior, regular visits to the gynecologist in the woman and the protection with barrier methods such as condoms during sexual contact.
There is now a vaccine against HPV available in some countries, it is especially indicated in girls and adolescents in early ages until they begin sexual activity, also can be applied in children and young people of the male sex.
Article contributed by the team of collaborators.