Human papillomavirus (HPV)

What is HPV?

The abbreviation HPV stands for the virus group of the human papillomaviruses. Around 124 different virus types are now known, most of which are transmitted through skin contact and mucosal contact. This makes them the most common sexually transmitted viruses in the world. Depending on the subspecies of the human papillomavirus, they can trigger wart formation at the site of the infection, i.e. on the skin or on the genitals. Many infections even go unnoticed.

Read more about the topic here: Sexually transmitted diseases
STD = sexual transmitted diseases

The human papillomaviruses are clinically relevant because of their subspecies malicious changes can evoke. This is how the subtypes in risk groups divided. So-called "High risk" Viruses are instrumental in the development of various Cancers involved. These include above all the cervical cancer, but also in rare cases Malignant tumors of the penis, vulva, anus and oral cavity.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has so far classified 13 of the 124 types of HPV as carcinogenic. Most HPV infections are symptom-free and heal on their own. Infections with "low-risk" viruses can lead to benign tumors. At the infection site they appear as warts, on the anus they are referred to as "genital warts". About 80% of sexually active people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Of these, around 10% of all women remain permanently infected. The viruses can remain inactive for many years and only develop symptoms much later. If "high-risk" viruses are present, cell changes in the cervix can occur. As a result, a malignant cervical cancer, the so-called "cervical cancer" can develop.

The risk of cervical cancer caused by HPV infections is decreasing nowadays.Vaccination against the most common types of risk is now part of the standardized vaccination calendar. For women, early detection methods are part of the annual routine examination.

Keep reading Laryngeal papillomatosis

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on Type of human papillomavirusthat you have been infected with. Most infections remain symptomless and heal by themselves completely within 1-2 years.

Some infections also remain asymptomatic, but can persist permanently. Symptoms can still occur months or years later. The cancer-causing ones "high-risk" viruses initially remain symptom-free. It takes years for the persistent virus to change the mucous membrane and a potential malignant cancer can result.

Read more about the topic here: Cervical cancer symptoms

"Low-risk" viruses usually lead to benign tumor growth at the site of infection. These are expressed as warts on the skin or the mucous membrane of the genitals, the anal area or the oral cavity. They are very small and pointed and can appear individually or as a cluster. They are called "Genital warts" designated. The genital warts cause no pain. Only in some cases can the surrounding skin become red and inflamed. They usually do not have to be treated as they often heal on their own. However, for aesthetic reasons and because the genital warts are contagious, they are often removed. Once removed, they must be treated permanently, otherwise they will keep coming back. In very rare cases, a benign wart can turn into a malignant cancer.

diagnosis

For Women over the age of 20 is the so-called "Pap test" offered. In the routine examination of the gynecologist, a swab of the cervix is ​​carried out with a cotton swab. Cells are removed from the cervix and examined under a microscope. These cells can be used to identify other diseases such as Herpes or Chlamydia also active HPV infections detect. The appearance of the cells is divided into 5 stages, which represent the risk for the development of cancer cells.

A detection test for HPV is only recommended in the case of a Pap test that shows changes in the mucous membrane. If it turns out that there is also a "high-risk" virus type, the Pap test should be performed every 6 months be performed. A virus determination beforehand does not make sense, as there is no targeted therapy for HPV. With an accuracy of 80-90%, many types of cancer can be detected with regular, annual Pap tests. As a result, areas may be affected Cut out without complications become. Since the Pap test for women from 20 fully covered by the health insurance the annual routine inspection is recommended. A noticeably high percentage of women with cervical cancer have not had routine tests carried out in previous years.

vaccination

Vaccines for the most risky types of HPV have only existed since 2006. Many HPV types are among the "high-risk" viruses and a total of 13 have been classified as officially carcinogenic. Therefore currently exist 3 different vaccinesdesigned to protect against the most dangerous 2, 4 or 9 types of HPV. HPV vaccination was initially controversial among critics, but current data still suggest that the vaccination is recommended.

A vaccination only works preventive against infection. It cannot alleviate or cure diseases with a risk type. It is important that despite the vaccination one annual Pap test should be carried out. In some cases, malignancies from types of HPV that have not been vaccinated may still occur. Only the risk can be significantly reduced by the vaccinations.

The HPV vaccination has been officially recommended in Germany since 2007. Since 2014, the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) in Germany recommends Girls between 9 and 14 years the double vaccine against the HPV types 16 and 18. The vaccination is intended for children before puberty so one Immunization before the first sexual contact happens. Although HPV viruses also with Men can trigger malignant tumor diseases, a vaccination is not covered by the health insurance. The Incidence disease caused by HPV in men is by far not that highhow the risk of cervical cancer from high-risk viruses.

Read more about the topic here: Cervical cancer vaccination

transmission

To a transmission with human papillomaviruses it gets away Skin contact or Mucosal contact. Human papillomaviruses are the most common viruses transmitted during Sexual intercourse. In general, it can be stated that in a partnership both partners are almost always affected by an infection. For this reason, vaccination against the "high-risk" types 16 and 18 carried out before the first sexual intercourse so that a viral infection does not occur in the first place.

Especially caused by "low-risk" viruses Genital warts are highly contagious. Possible symptoms occur at the site of the infection, i.e. on the surface of the skin or mucous membrane. About 80% of all people come into contact with human papillomavirus in the course of their lives, but most infections subside without symptoms.