2024-05-03 22:19:38
Causes not only cervical cancer
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses in developed countries, and although only 16 of its 200 types are considered high risk, they affect at least 700,000 people a year. cancer cases and almost 400 thousand deaths.
The doctor explains that about 90 percent those infected do not experience any unusual symptoms, and the body copes with the virus on its own. However, in a significant proportion of people infected with HPV, the virus causes abnormal cell development and eventually cancer.
“Many people still don’t know that this virus is carried by men, which means that cancer can affect anyone. The virus affects the development of precancerous and cancerous conditions in the anus, vulva, vagina, penis, pharynx and mouth, and about 60 types of HPV cause unpleasant and difficult to treat papillomas.
Even if you have a long-term sexual partner or use protection, you can still get this virus. Condoms cannot cover the entire genital area, so HPV can still be transmitted. And the target of the virus is all persons who have had or are having sexual relations”, says obstetrician-gynecologist M. Aponavičienė.
HPV can cause lesions even years later
She points out that HPV is best recognized as a cause of cervical cancer, as only this type of cancer caused by the virus is the only type of cancer that is specifically tested for. This is the cancer that takes the most lives of women, so every few years Lithuanian women over the age of 25 are invited to be examined for cervical changes free of charge.
According to the doctor, it is also important to appreciate the fact that warts and precancerous or cancerous changes do not appear immediately after contracting an HPV infection. For example, warts can appear several weeks or even months after intimate relations with an infected person, and cancerous changes in the cervix can develop even after a decade or even longer.
“Advanced medicine today makes it possible to examine at the molecular level not only the threat of cervical cancer, but also the HPV infection itself and identify its specific types in the body. The least unpleasant and most accurate examination for women is the PAP test, during which the gynecologist takes a sample of cervical cells with a special brush. Later, it is tested in a laboratory in a liquid medium. Test results can usually be expected after a week.
Encouraging women not to delay and prevent potential health problems, on the occasion of Mother’s Day, Antėja laboratories are offering special discounts for HPV high-risk types testing and cervical cytological testing in a liquid medium until May 5. During the examination, even the smallest changes, invisible to the naked eye, can be detected, which will allow preventive treatment measures to be taken. The earlier the changes and the types of HPV that caused them are detected, the more effective and simpler the treatment process is for patients,” M. Aponavičienė shares her recommendations.
Steps after a positive response
An obstetrician-gynecologist says that when the HPV virus and changes in the cervix are detected, the patients undergo a colposcopy. During it, suspicious areas are examined under a microscope and small samples are taken for further tests in the laboratory. M. Aponavičienė reassures that the examination can be unpleasant, but not painful.
“During the examination, we use innovative tools that allow the patient to perform this important procedure with minimal discomfort. If bleeding is noticed at the biopsy sites, doctors stop it immediately. Patients often sit down in the gynecological chair scared, but they soon realize that everything is not as scary as it can be imagined. She often admits that she feels a slight spasm in the lower abdomen several times.
After the biopsy, physical activity, long baths, visits to the sauna or swimming pool, and sexual intercourse should be restricted for some time, so that the walls of the cervix heal nicely and blood vessel cracks do not appear,” explains M. Aponavičienė in more detail.
Everyone has the opportunity to protect themselves
After receiving the test results, doctors evaluate the necessary further steps to help prevent cancer. In rare cases, an additional checkup is given after six months or a year. The doctor notes that the only way to protect against dangerous cervical changes, precancerous or cancerous conditions caused by HPV is vaccination.
Girls and boys aged 11 are vaccinated against this virus free of charge with state funds, but according to M. Aponavičienė, older people, especially those who have sex, should also not risk their health and well-being and take advantage of the opportunities to protect themselves from the most dangerous types of HPV.
“Currently, the nine-valent HPV vaccine provides the most effective protection. As its name suggests, the vaccine protects against the types of virus most associated with cancer: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. Children over 11 years of age receive two or three doses of the vaccine, and their the need is specified by the vaccinating specialist according to the person’s age. The bodies of both teenagers and adults tolerate the vaccine quite well, side reactions resemble a mild cold, the injection site may be pink, tense or slightly swollen for a few days, as the vaccine is injected into the muscle. Immunity to the mentioned types of virus is formed after the second dose of the vaccine after a few weeks,” says the doctor.
She reminds that, for now, vaccination is the only way, without abstinence from sexual intercourse, to prevent the development of dangerous diseases caused by HPV. In order to protect yourself, your partner or loved ones, the decision to get vaccinated against this infection can in some cases mean saving a life.
According to M. Aponavičienė, when considering how to show care and love to your mothers on the occasion of Mother’s Day, it is worth thinking about decisions that benefit your health: “Our mothers have already given us the most beautiful and valuable gift – life, so to take care of their protection from cervical cancer, which takes the lives of many women, can be our tribute back.”
2024-05-03 22:19:38