In-depth knowledge of HPV
The human papillomavirus, known as HPV, is a widespread virus in the papillomavirus, transmitted mainly through skin or mucous membrane contact. The HPV infection is considered to be the cause of multiple malignant tumours, especially cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. While most HPV infections can be removed from the immune system in the short term, some high-risk types of HPV are likely to lead to serious health problems. The present paper will explore in depth the hazards of HPV, the means of transmission, clinical performance, diseases that may occur after infection and preventive measures.
Overview of HPV infections
HPV is a DNA virus with more than 200 different subtypes, of which approximately 40 subtypes are infected with reproductive tracts, anus, etc. HPV is divided into two categories based on its carcinogenic risk:
Low-risk HPVs: for example, HPV6 and HPV11, usually lead to benign pathologies, such as genital acne (commonly known as sharp hysteres).
High-risk HPVs: HPV 16, HPV 18, HPV 31, among others, are the main causes of cervical, genital, vaginal, anal and some cervical cancers.
HPV is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted viruses worldwide. According to WHO statistics, about 80 per cent of sexually active women are infected with HPV throughout their lifetime, and although most female immune systems are able to remove the virus within a year or two, some high-risk HPVs, if not eliminated in a timely manner, can cause chronic infections and have serious physical effects.
II. HPV Harm
Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is one of the most known hazards of HPV infection, especially because of high-risk HPVs (especially HPV16 and HPV18). Persistent HPV infections can lead to cervix cell pathologies, leading to cervical cancer. About 99 per cent of cervical cancer patients have a history of HPV infection.
Early cervical cancer is often not visible, so many women find it late in the cancer. That is why HPV vaccines and regular cervical cancer screening (such as Pap smears and HPV tests) are so important that they can help to detect pre-cervical cancer and cancer at an early stage, thus significantly increasing the rate of cure.
2. Gymnasium (shrimply wet)
Sharp-wetting is caused by low-risk HPVs (e.g. HPV6 and HPV11) and manifests themselves in the genitals, around the anus or in the mouth. They can be small, pain-free argon surgeries, but if they are not treated in a timely manner, they can cause local aching, haemorrhaging, etc., and even affect sexual life.
3. Vagina, genital and anal cancer
High-risk HPVs are also closely related to other types of genital cancer, especially vaginal, genital and anal cancer. HPV16 and HPV18 are the main contributing factors to these cancers. While the incidence of these cancers is low, the relationship with HPV is clear, so regular screening and monitoring of those at high risk HPV infections is particularly important.
Cancer of the neck
In addition to genital-related cancer, HPV is closely related to certain types of cervical cancer (such as throat, tongue, etc.). HPV infections can cause malignant neoplasms in these areas, especially under the influence of other risk factors such as smoking or alcohol consumption. In recent years, HPV infections in the mouth, throat and throat have gradually become hot spots for research.
III. HPV path to transmission of infection
HPV is disseminated mainly through sexual contact, including:
Sexual contact transmission: The HPV virus can be transmitted whether it is vaginal intercourse, anal or oral. Most HPV infections are transmitted through sexual contact and even unsymptomatic partners can transmit the virus.
Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT): Pregnant women who are infected with HPV may give birth to their newborn child through the delivery tract, although this mode of transmission is relatively rare.
Dermal exposure: Some HPV types can also be transmitted through dermal contact, although this route is rare, but can also occur.
IV. Health consequences of HPV infection
1. Response of the immune system
The immune system for most of the HPV infected people will be free of the virus within two years of infection, so that for most women the HPV infection is short-lived and has no serious consequences. However, a small number of people, especially women who have long failed to clear HPV, are likely to persist and lead to cell mutation, which eventually develops into pre-cancer or cancer.
2. Pre-cancer pathologies
Persistent high-risk HPV infections can lead to cervix cell mutation, resulting in cervix episothelioma (CIN). CIN has three phases, ranging from low-level to high-level (CIN3). Without timely treatment, these pathologies may further develop into cervical cancer.
V. HPV Vaccines and Prevention
1. HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine is an effective means of preventing HPV infections and related cancers. Vaccines can prevent multiple high-risk types of HPV infection, especially HPV16 and HPV18, which are the main causes of cervical cancer. The earlier the HPV vaccine is recommended to women and men between the ages of 9 and 45, the better it will be protected.
Currently, a wide range of global types of HPV vaccines have been approved, with common DPVs (for HPV16 and HPV18), a 4-valent vaccine (to increase protection against HPV6 and HPV11) and a 9-valor vaccine (to protect more high-risk and low-risk HPVs).
2. Periodic screening
For women infected with HPV, regular cervical cancer screening (such as Pap smears and HPV tests) is essential, especially for women over 30 years of age, and cervical cancer screening should be conducted every three years. If an abnormal cell or high-risk HPV infection is detected, further diagnosis and treatment are provided to avoid cancer.
3. Safe sex
The use of condoms can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, and while condoms do not completely stop their spread, they remain one of the effective measures to reduce infection.
Concluding remarks
HPV infection is a high-risk factor for many serious diseases, in particular malignant tumours such as cervical cancer. Through vaccination, regular screening and safe sex, HPV infections and the resulting health hazards can be effectively prevented. Women should be sensitive to the dangers of HPV, maintain healthy lifestyles and regularly screen for cervical cancer to protect their health.
