Define HPV
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses. According to the Mayo Clinic and Centers For Disease Control, nearly 20 million Americans are infected with HPV.
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What Is HPV
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HPV is the shortened term for human papillomavirus. Although most cases of HPV present similar symptoms, there are nearly 100 related, yet different, strains of the human papillomavirus.
No Symptoms
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In many cases HPV infections go undiagnosed and untreated. This is because in most instances the disease presents no outward symptoms. Therefore an individual may have HPV and infect others without knowing it.
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Signs
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When HPV does present symptoms these often appear as warts and lesions on the skin. These lesions are most commonly found on the genitals or the soft tissues inside the mouth. However, they may also be found internally on the lungs and/or cervix.
HPV and Cancer
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The majority of lesions and warts from HPV are, and remain, benign. But certain strains of the virus can cause cellular changes within the skin resulting in cancer. According to the Mayo clinic, 70 percent of cervical cancer cases are a direct result of HPV infection.
Treating HPV
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The warts caused by HPV are most often treated with drugs. In some instances they may be removed with liquid nitrogen or using lasers. However, in 2009 there is no cure for HPV. Fortunately the immune system of otherwise healthy people can often suppress the virus to undetectable levels on its own.
Prevention
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A vaccine is available that protects girls and women from infection by certain strains of HPV known to cause cervical cancer. In general, the best protection both men and women is to use protection such as a latex condom during sexual encounters and/or participate in a monogamous relationship with a partner who is known to be HPV free.
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