Human papillomavirus
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can infect the skin or mucous membranes (like the genitals, or inside the mouth) of humans. They cause warts.[1] Some of them may cause cancer. There are over 100 different virus types in this group. About 40 virus types can be transmitted sexually. About 12-15 can cause cancer.
Most cases of HPV can be prevented by a vaccine,[2] which also would stop the HPV from causing cancer. Most cases of cervical, oral and throat cancer are caused by HPV.[3][4] The HPV immunisation programme has almost eliminated cervical cancer in women born in England since September 1995.[5]
A first step in treatment is the use of salicylic acid. This is available in pharmacies, usually without a prescription. If this does not help, the wart can be frozen, and destroyed that way, or a laser can be used to destroy it. If this still does not help, different methods of chemotherapy can be used.
References
[change | change source]- ↑ Gordon, Marsha; Alice E. Fugate The Complete Idiot's Guide to Beautiful Skin Penguin Group 1998 page 192
- ↑ HPV vaccine fact sheet
- ↑ HPV fact sheet
- ↑ "HPV oral cancer facts". Archived from the original on 2016-02-10. Retrieved 2016-02-17.
- ↑ "A Fresh Shot". Policy Exchange. Retrieved 2023-10-20.
Other websites
[change | change source]- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Archived 2007-06-08 at the Wayback Machine from University of California, Santa Barbara's SexInfo
- hpv-centrum Archived 2009-08-05 at the Wayback Machine - Video and info from the HPV, hpv centrums in Hungary
- CDC fact sheet - HPV fact sheet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
