Human Papilloma Virus Health Article

Treatments

In 2001 the only accepted treatment for HPV-related lesions is removal or eradication. Since the incidence of latent and recurrent infections is high, the eradication of HPV is not always 100% effective. It is essential to be aware that HPV is a sexually transmitted disease and women must engage in safe sex practices to decrease the risk of spreading the virus or becoming re-infected. The development of an HPV vaccine that would render individuals resistant to infection by at least some of the high-risk HPV types is a matter of considerable interest. It is possible that by 2010 such a vaccine will be available.

Resources

PERIODICALS

Cuzick J. "Human papillomavirus testing for primary cervical cancer screening." JAMA 283 (January 2000):108-9

Cox J.T. "Evaluating the role of HPV testing for women with equivocal Papanicolaou test findings." JAMA 281 (May 1999):1645-7.

ORGANIZATIONS

National HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention Resource Center. <http://www.ashastd.org> June 2001.

Herpes.Org. <http://www.herpes.org> June 2001.

OTHER

"HPV -The culprit behind cervical cancer." Mayo Health<http://www.mayohealth.org/home?id=HQ00889> 29 June 2001.

Antopia's HPV Page. <http://www.antopia.com/hpv> 29 June 2001.

Warren Maltzman, Ph.D.

Ablative

—Also known as "Ablation" and referring to the surgical removal of lesions associated with HPV.

Biopsy

—The removal of a small bit of tissue for diagnostic examination

Cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN)

—A pre-cancerous condition in which a group of cells grow abnormally on the cervix but do not extend into the deeper layers of this tissue.

Colposcopy

—Procedure in which the cervix is examined using a special microscope.

Epithelial

—Referring to the epithelium, the layer of cells forming the epidermis of the skin and the surface layer of mucous membranes.

High-risk HPV type

—A member of the HPV family of viruses that is associated with the development of cervical cancer and precancerous growths.

Pap smear

—A test that checks for abnormal cells that can lead to cervical cancer.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• If my Pap smear is abnormal, do you think I should have an HPV test?
• Based upon my Pap smear result and HPV testing, when should I have my next Pap smear?
• What can I do to decrease my risk of becoming (re)infected with HPV?