Twenty-four million Americans may have the human papillomavirus (HPV), yet more than 76 percent of women in the United States have never heard of this sexually transmitted virus which causes virtually 100 percent of all cervical cancers simplify as HPV cervical cancer and cervical cancer symptoms. Nearly two decades ago, experts discovered a relationship between infections with HPV cervical cancer. Since then, these experts have learned much more about how HPV cervical cancer can grow. In fact, researchers say that virtually all cervical cancers — more than 99% — are caused by these high-risk HPV cervical cancer viruses.

The most common of the high-risk strains of HPV are types 16 and 18, which cause about 70% of all cervical cancers. If the body clears the infection, the cervical cells return to normal. But if the body doesn’t clear the infection, the HPV cervical cancer cells in the cervix can continue to change abnormally. This can lead to HPV cervical cancer.

Genital warts or HPV cervical cancer viruses are sometimes detected during your annual GYN examination. However the Pap smear is not a screening tool for HPV cervical cancer or any other STD or infection. Although most HPVs do not progress to cancer, it is especially important for women diagnosed with HPV cervical cancer to have regular Pap smears.

While the Pap smear as the cervical cancer HPV test is not designed to detect HPV (only abnormal cervical changes) abnormal changes may indicate HPV cervical cancer infection or another vaginal infection. Your physician will order either a follow up screening procedure such as a colposcope or follow you closely to detect any further cervical changes when abnormal Pap results are obtained.

It’s not certain why in some women, persistent HPV cervical cancer infection causes more serious problems than in others. There are, however, identified co-factors which increase the risk of cervical cancer.

These include smoking, having more than four full term pregnancies (Castellsague, 2003), experiencing first intercourse at an early age, having multiple sexual partners, or having intercourse with a male partner who has had multiple sexual partners, and immune suppression.

Preventing hpv cervical cancer

Two HPV cervical cancer vaccines to protect against high risk HPV cervical cancer types have been developed; one has already been licensed and the second is likely to be in the next few months. They are expected to be given, in the first instance, to girls before they start having sex. Two prophylactic vaccines have been developed; Gardasil (Merck) and Cervarix (GlaxoSmithKline).

It is hoped that these will avert 70% or more, of SCCs by preventing some HPV cervical cancer infections. Condoms offer a degree of protection against the initial transmission of HPV cervical cancer infections. However, as HPV has a field effect and is present over all the genitalia, this protection is not comprehensive or complete.

There is currently no medical cervical cancer HPV treatment, but as most HPV cervical cancer infections and HPV cervical cancer cells are cleared rapidly by the immune system, in most cases it’s unnecessary to treat a virus which may indeed cause no problems.