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Question:
My best friend was told she has HVP, an STD which can lead to cancer (uterine??) What is it and what can you tell us about it?? Thank you.
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Answer:
by Annette Owens: (06/02/2004)
HPV stands for human papillomavirus and it may cause genital warts. There are many different types of HPV, and a physician can treat warts in several ways. It is important to treat the warts in order to prevent spreading and infection of sexual partners. Depending on the location of the warts condoms may prevent transmission of the virus.
There is an association between HPV infection of the cervix and cervical dysplasia and cancer. The cervix is the part of the uterus that is located closest to the vagina. A uterus looks like a pear and the cervix is the thin part where the stalk of a pear would be located. Cervical dysplasia means that some cells of the lining of the cervix have changed and grown in an unusual way. There are several stages of growth, the most advanced being cancer of the cervix.
It is important for women to have yearly gynecological exams, including a Pap smear. During a Pap smear the health professional swipes off cells from the cervix, and these will then be analyzed in a laboratory. If the Pap smear is normal, the cervix is healthy. If the results show cervical dysplasia, the affected area can be treated in various ways (freezing, CO2 laser, and resection, including conization, where a small cone is cut out of the cervix). The physician will recommend the correct treatment option in each case.
Having cervical dysplasia is fairly common and as long as it is caught early, treatment usually restores full health. I cannot stress enough how important regular Pap smears are.
I hope that I answered your question. Otherwise, do not hesitate to ask again.
Sincerely,
Annette Owens, MD PhD
Reviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team
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