High risk HPV is a human papillomavirus that usually cause genital warts. When not given immediate attention might progress to cervical cancer. When the infection persists despite of medications there is a great possibility that the infection will worsen. That is why it is necessary to understand everything about this strain of human papillomavirus. In this way, everyone can avoid the factors that can make an individual infected by the virus.
What is High Risk HPV?
One of the primary culprits of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus or the HPV. This group of viruses comprises of 100 various
HPV types. That is why scientists have categorized HPV into two types such as those that are cancerous and those that have low-risk of developing cancer. According to research, millions of women are suffering from cervical cancer and almost quarter of them dies from the disease each year. In the same manner, the human papillomavirus commonly develops into cancer of the vagina, vulva, anus as well as the oropharynx. In addition, a man who is infected with high risk HPV has great potential of developing penile cancer or the cancer of the penis.
Some strains of high risk HPV include HPV-16, HPV-18, HPV-31, HPV-33, HPV-35, HPV-39, HPV-45, HPV-51, HPV-52, HPV-56, HPV-58, HPV-59, HPV-68 and HPV-69. These viruses have the ability to change the body cells in such a way that it progresses to cervical cancer. On the other hand, there is an instance in which this type of HPV does not cause health problems and go away even without treatment. The genital HPV infection can be prevented through regular Pap tests.
Healthcare providers can diagnose HPV infections through Pap test. Women 30 years and older are recommended to undergo Pap test as this is the age group vulnerable to cervical cancer. Abnormal result of Pap test will suggest that there is the presence of HPV although most women infected with the virus do not show apparent symptoms. During the Pap test sample of cells from the cervix is taken using a swab and studied for any change under a microscope. The procedure is also the primary tool for cancer screening.
Another test recommended by the Food and Drug Administration is the HPV DNA test but this is not recommended as substitute for regular Pap test. Both tests can identify 13 types of high risk HPV that would possibly lead to cervical cancer. In this sense, a woman who has normal Pap test is recommended to take vaccine that protects against HPV-6 and HPV-11 that pose 90% possibility of causing genital warts. Keep in mind that the genital warts would grow even inside the vagina. In men, the genital warts grow on the scrotum, penis, groin, and thigh as well as around the anus.
Genital warts vary in sizes as there are some that are too small to be seen. In some cases, the warts look like cauliflower as they are bumpy in appearance. As it grows it causes discomfort, burning and itching. Therefore, in order to avoid getting HPV (High Risk HPV) it is important to practice safe sex.