How Long Can Hpv Lay Dormant

Nosotros're hearing a lot these days about the link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and certain types of cancer, specifically cervical cancer. HPV infections are among the most common of sexually transmitted diseases, with approximately 14 1000000 new cases occurring each year in the U.Southward. Some experts tell us that most sexually agile women and men will be infected at least once in their lives, if not more.

Are all these people destined to develop cancer? No.

There are more than 100 different types of HPV, most of which do not cause bug. Co-ordinate to the World Health Organization (WHO), well-nigh of the time, HPV infection clears up inside just a few months of contracting it, and well-nigh 80-xc% of infections somewhen get away on their own. Certain strains of HPV, however, can cause cervical changes that, if non detected early on, can turn into cancer. Menorah Medical Heart's Nicole Niemann, MD, a board-certified family exercise physician providing ObGyn care breaks down five important things we should know almost HPV.

HPV infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer

According to WHO, cervical cancer is by far the virtually common HPV-related illness and nearly all cases of cervical cancer can be linked to it. The good news is, doctors say that nearly HPV infections clear up on their own, and about pre-malignant lesions resolve themselves.

"If a woman tests positive for HPV, at that place'due south no need to immediately panic," shares Dr. Niemann. "Your body tin be infected with the virus merely and so clear it without whatsoever cancerous changes to the neck. Either your body volition clear itself of the infection or it will not. It's non always clear why certain women are more apt to develop cervical cancer."

Some take chances factors for HPV progressing to cervical cancer:

The blazon of HPV – types 16 and 18 crusade lxx% of cervical cancers and precancerous lesions.
Status of immune organization – those with compromised allowed systems are more likely to have persistent HPV, and progression to precancer and cancer.
The presence of other STDs such as herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhea
Being immature with a first birth
Cigarette smoking
Existence overweight

HPV can lie dormant for years

Unless there are visible symptoms such as venereal warts, most people with HPV do not know that they are infected. Although the virus oftentimes heals on its ain, in other cases, it lies dormant in the torso and tin trigger cancers years after infection. In fact, cervical cancer from HPV commonly takes 10 to 20 years or more to develop.

"The fact that information technology can lie dormant is why we notwithstanding routinely screen for it even if new exposure is non a business organisation," says Dr. Niemann.

Early detection is fundamental for successful cervical cancer treatment

Cervical cancer is preventable if precancerous changes are identified and treated early. A routine screening such as a pap smear, too called a pap test, can actually forbid almost cervical cancers past identifying abnormal cervical cell changes (pre-cancers) then that they tin be treated earlier they turn into a cervical cancer. Like a pap smear, the HPV examination involves collecting cervical tissue samples which are tested for the presence of the virus. Your doctor may order an HPV exam if a pap smear comes back abnormal.

"A pap smear and HPV test volition observe near all precancerous changes and cervical cancers," says Dr. Niemann. "Women should talk with their doctors well-nigh what screenings are right for their age and sexual history, and the frequency of screenings."

In general, guidelines say all women should be screened for cervical cancer with a pap smear starting at age 21. Women thirty and over should have a pap smear and HPV screening together. If both are negative, testing is recommended every five years. A positive examination for either HPV or the presence of aberrant cells leads to further evaluation.

"With a positive issue, the adjacent steps will depend on a patient'south age, the verbal findings from the pap, and which HPV strain is nowadays," Dr Niemann explains. "In some instances, the pap/HPV test is repeated in six months to one twelvemonth and in others, farther examination of the cervix and possibly a biopsy may be the next stride."

In cases where treatment is necessary, the most common types of treatment to remove the tissue are:

Cold knife conization – a infirmary procedure requiring anesthesia where the tissue is removed with a scalpel
Cryotherapy – an function process where the abnormal tissue is frozen off.
Laser therapy – a hospital process requiring anesthesia where a laser destroys the tissue
LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) – an part process with local anesthesia where a thin wire loop, through which an electric current is passed, is used to remove abnormal tissue

HPV is linked to other cancers

More and more research at present supports the direct connection of certain HPV strains to cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis, and caput and cervix.

There is a safe vaccine for HPV

There are currently 3 vaccines that protect against some of the college run a risk strains of HPV, specifically strains 16 and 18. The vaccine is considered the all-time defense force against cervical, head and neck, anal and penile cancers.

Considering the vaccine is most effective before someone is exposed to HPV, it is widely advised to vaccinate kids and teens aged 9-14, with the promise of protecting them earlier they become sexually agile. The vaccine has for some time been bachelor for adults up to age 26, and has recently been approved for men and women upwardly to age 45.

"This is the very best defense against cancers caused by HPV," stresses Dr. Niemann. "Equally a adult female, you significantly subtract your risk of cervical cancer equally well equally other cancers. I always advise patients to get the vaccine and to vaccinate their kids. This gives them lifetime protection against HPV-causing cancers."

Women's care for the ages

When you're looking for experienced and compassionate women'due south care, HCA Midwest Health is at that place for you. Our women's specialists offering expertise and personalized care in all aspects of obstetrics and gynecology, from routine well-woman care to prenatal and childbirth care to handling for menopause symptoms, adolescent gynecology or other gynecologic health issues.

Detect a gynecologist