Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause a variety of health problems, including genital warts and cervical cancer. There are over 100 different types of HPV, classified as either low-risk or high-risk. Low-risk HPV types can cause warts, while high-risk HPV types can cause cancer. Even though a relatively high percentage of sexually active people will have HPV, only a small percentage will develop cancer.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. It is estimated that 80% of sexually active adults will get HPV at some point in their lives. Most people who get HPV don't even know they have it since it often causes no symptoms. HPV can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area.
While most HPV infections do not cause cancer, some types of HPV can lead to cancer if they are not treated. Read on to find out which HPV types are considered high-risk and what percentage of high-risk HPV infections progress to cancer.
What Percentage of High-Risk HPV Turns to Cancer
Not all HPV infections lead to cancer.
- High-risk HPV types: 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58
- Most HPV infections: Clear on their own
- Persistent infection: Can lead to cancer
- HPV vaccine: Prevents infection with high-risk types
- Regular Pap tests: Detect precancerous changes
- Treatment: Available for precancerous changes and cancer
- High-risk HPV: Can cause cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers
- HPV-related cancers: Preventable and treatable
- HPV vaccination: Recommended for boys and girls
The HPV vaccine is the best way to protect against HPV-related cancers. The vaccine is safe and effective, and it is recommended for all boys and girls aged 9-26.
High-risk HPV types: 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58
There are over 100 different types of HPV, but only a few of them are considered high-risk. The high-risk HPV types are 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. These types are responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, anal cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer.
High-risk HPV types can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. They can also be spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area. Most people who get HPV don't even know they have it since it often causes no symptoms. However, if a high-risk HPV infection is not treated, it can lead to cancer.
The HPV vaccine is the best way to protect against high-risk HPV infection and HPV-related cancers. The vaccine is safe and effective, and it is recommended for all boys and girls aged 9-26. The vaccine can also be given to adults up to age 45 who have not been vaccinated.
If you have been vaccinated against HPV, you are still at risk for HPV infection if you have sex with someone who is infected with HPV. However, the vaccine can help to protect you from developing cancer caused by HPV.
If you have not been vaccinated against HPV, you should talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from HPV-related cancers.
Most HPV infections: Clear on their own
The human body's immune system is usually able to clear HPV infections on its own. In fact, most people who get HPV never even know they have it. This is because the immune system is able to fight off the virus before it can cause any symptoms or health problems.
- HPV infection:
Usually clears within 1-2 years.
- Persistent HPV infection:
Can lead to precancerous changes and cancer.
- Precancerous changes:
Can be detected with regular Pap tests.
- Cancer:
Can be treated if caught early.
HPV infections are most likely to clear on their own in people with healthy immune systems. However, people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those taking immunosuppressive drugs, are more likely to have persistent HPV infections that can lead to cancer.
Persistent infection: Can lead to cancer
In some cases, HPV infection can become persistent. This means that the virus is able to evade the immune system and continue to live in the body. Persistent HPV infection can lead to the development of precancerous changes and cancer.
- Precancerous changes:
HPV infection can cause cells in the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, or throat to become abnormal. These abnormal cells are called precancerous changes.
- Cancer:
If precancerous changes are not treated, they can progress to cancer. HPV-related cancers include cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, anal cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer.
- Risk factors for persistent infection:
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing a persistent HPV infection, including:
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Having sex with someone who has HPV
- Having a weakened immune system
- Prevention:
The HPV vaccine is the best way to prevent persistent HPV infection and HPV-related cancers. The vaccine is safe and effective, and it is recommended for all boys and girls aged 9-26.
If you have been vaccinated against HPV, you are still at risk for HPV infection if you have sex with someone who is infected with HPV. However, the vaccine can help to protect you from developing cancer caused by HPV.
HPV vaccine: Prevents infection with high-risk types
The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine that protects against infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that can cause a variety of health problems, including genital warts and cervical cancer.
There are two types of HPV vaccines available: Gardasil 9 and Cervarix. Both vaccines protect against the four most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer (HPV types 16 and 18) and genital warts (HPV types 6 and 11). Gardasil 9 also protects against five additional types of HPV that can cause other types of cancer, including vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, anal cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for all boys and girls aged 9-26. The vaccine can also be given to adults up to age 45 who have not been vaccinated.
The HPV vaccine is very effective at preventing HPV infection. Studies have shown that the vaccine is 97% effective at preventing cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, and anal cancer. The vaccine is also 90% effective at preventing genital warts.
The HPV vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from HPV-related cancers and genital warts. If you are eligible for the HPV vaccine, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.
Regular Pap tests: Detect precancerous changes
A Pap test is a screening test that can detect precancerous changes in the cervix. Precancerous changes are abnormal cells that can develop into cancer if they are not treated.
- Pap tests are recommended for all women aged 21-65.
Women should have their first Pap test within 3 years of becoming sexually active, but no later than age 21. After that, women should have a Pap test every 3 years.
- Pap tests can detect precancerous changes early, when they are most treatable.
If precancerous changes are detected early, they can be removed before they have a chance to develop into cancer.
- Pap tests are a safe and effective way to screen for cervical cancer.
Pap tests are quick and painless, and they can help to save lives.
- If you are overdue for a Pap test, talk to your doctor about getting one as soon as possible.
Early detection is key to preventing cervical cancer.
Pap tests are an important part of women's health care. By getting regular Pap tests, women can help to protect themselves from cervical cancer.
Treatment: Available for precancerous changes and cancer
There are a variety of treatments available for precancerous changes and cancer caused by HPV. The type of treatment that is recommended will depend on the stage of the disease, the location of the cancer, and the patient's overall health.
Treatments for precancerous changes may include:
- Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP):
This procedure uses a thin wire loop to remove the precancerous cells from the cervix.
- Cryotherapy:
This procedure uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy the precancerous cells.
- Laser therapy:
This procedure uses a laser to destroy the precancerous cells.
Treatments for cancer may include:
- Surgery:
Surgery may be used to remove the cancerous tissue. The type of surgery that is performed will depend on the location and stage of the cancer.
- Radiation therapy:
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given orally or intravenously.
- Targeted therapy:
Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific molecules that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy uses the patient's own immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy drugs can be given intravenously or orally.
The outlook for people with HPV-related cancers is generally good if the cancer is detected and treated early. However, the outlook can be poor if the cancer is not detected and treated until it has spread to other parts of the body.
High-risk HPV: Can cause cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers
High-risk HPV types can cause a variety of cancers, including:
- Cervical cancer:
Cervical cancer is the most common HPV-related cancer. It occurs in the cervix, which is the opening to the uterus.
- Vaginal cancer:
Vaginal cancer is a cancer of the vagina. It is less common than cervical cancer, but it can be more difficult to treat.
- Vulvar cancer:
Vulvar cancer is a cancer of the vulva, which is the external female genitalia.
- Anal cancer:
Anal cancer is a cancer of the anus. It is more common in men who have sex with men, but it can also occur in women.
- Oropharyngeal cancer:
Oropharyngeal cancer is a cancer of the throat. It is the most common HPV-related cancer in men.
HPV-related cancers are preventable. The HPV vaccine can protect against infection with the high-risk HPV types that cause these cancers. Regular Pap tests can also help to prevent cervical cancer by detecting precancerous changes early.
HPV-related cancers: Detectable and treatable
HPV-related cancers are detectable and treatable, especially when they are caught early. Regular screening tests, such as Pap tests and HPV tests, can help to detect precancerous changes and early-stage cancers.
- Cervical cancer:
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers. Regular Pap tests can detect precancerous changes, which can be removed before they have a chance to develop into cancer. If cervical cancer is caught early, it can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
- Vaginal cancer:
Vaginal cancer is a rare cancer, but it can be more difficult to treat than cervical cancer. Surgery is the most common treatment for vaginal cancer. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may also be used.
- Vulvar cancer:
Vulvar cancer is also a rare cancer. Surgery is the most common treatment for vulvar cancer. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may also be used.
- Anal cancer:
Anal cancer is more common in men who have sex with men, but it can also occur in women. Surgery is the most common treatment for anal cancer. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may also be used.
- Oropharyngeal cancer:
Oropharyngeal cancer is the most common HPV-related cancer in men. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are all used to treat oropharyngeal cancer.
The outlook for people with HPV-related cancers is generally good if the cancer is detected and treated early. However, the outlook can be poor if the cancer is not detected and treated until it has spread to other parts of the body.
HPV vaccination: Recommended for boys and girls
The HPV vaccine is recommended for all boys and girls aged 9-26. The vaccine can also be given to adults up to age 45 who have not been vaccinated.
- The HPV vaccine is safe and effective.
The HPV vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing HPV infection and HPV-related cancers.
- The HPV vaccine protects against the most common types of HPV that cause cancer.
The HPV vaccine protects against the four most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer (HPV types 16 and 18) and genital warts (HPV types 6 and 11). Gardasil 9 also protects against five additional types of HPV that can cause other types of cancer, including vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, anal cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer.
- The HPV vaccine is given in a series of two or three shots.
The HPV vaccine is typically given in a series of two shots for children and young adults aged 9-14. For people aged 15 and older, the vaccine is given in a series of three shots.
- The HPV vaccine is recommended for both boys and girls.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for both boys and girls because HPV can cause cancer in both men and women.
If you are eligible for the HPV vaccine, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about HPV and HPV-related cancers:
Question 1: What is HPV?
Answer: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause a variety of health problems, including genital warts and cervical cancer.
Question 2: How is HPV spread?
Answer: HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Question 3: What are the symptoms of HPV?
Answer: Most people who have HPV do not have any symptoms. However, some people may develop genital warts or precancerous changes in the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, or throat.
Question 4: Can HPV be prevented?
Answer: Yes, the HPV vaccine can protect against infection with the most common types of HPV that cause cancer and genital warts. The HPV vaccine is recommended for all boys and girls aged 9-26.
Question 5: What is the treatment for HPV?
Answer: There is no cure for HPV, but the virus can be treated. Treatments for HPV-related warts and precancerous changes include surgery, laser therapy, and cryotherapy.
Question 6: Can HPV-related cancers be prevented?
Answer: Yes, HPV-related cancers can be prevented by getting the HPV vaccine and having regular Pap tests and HPV tests.
Question 7: What is the outlook for people with HPV-related cancer?
Answer: The outlook for people with HPV-related cancers is generally good if the cancer is detected and treated early. However, the outlook can be poor if the cancer is not detected and treated until it has spread to other parts of the body.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
If you have any questions about HPV or HPV-related cancers, talk to your doctor.
Here are some tips for preventing HPV infection and HPV-related cancers:
Tips
Here are some tips for preventing HPV infection and HPV-related cancers:
Tip 1: Get vaccinated against HPV.
The HPV vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from HPV infection and HPV-related cancers. The vaccine is safe and effective, and it is recommended for all boys and girls aged 9-26.
Tip 2: Use condoms during sex.
Condoms can help to reduce the risk of HPV infection by preventing skin-to-skin contact. Condoms should be used every time you have sex, even if you are using other forms of birth control.
Tip 3: Get regular Pap tests and HPV tests.
Pap tests and HPV tests can help to detect precancerous changes in the cervix. These tests are recommended for all women aged 21-65. Talk to your doctor about when you should start getting Pap tests and HPV tests.
Tip 4: Avoid smoking.
Smoking can increase the risk of HPV-related cancers. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of HPV infection and HPV-related cancers.
HPV is a common virus, but it can be prevented and treated. If you have any questions about HPV, talk to your doctor.
Conclusion
HPV is a common virus that can cause a variety of health problems, including genital warts and cervical cancer. However, HPV is preventable and treatable. The HPV vaccine can protect against infection with the most common types of HPV that cause cancer and genital warts. Regular Pap tests and HPV tests can help to detect precancerous changes in the cervix. Most HPV infections clear up on their own, but persistent HPV infection can lead to cancer.
Closing Message:
If you are eligible for the HPV vaccine, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
If you have any questions about HPV or HPV-related cancers, talk to your doctor.