By Joseph Hazan,M.D., FACOG
HPV causes cervical cancer,
cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
and genital warts.
There are over 100 different types
of HPV. About 40 of these infect the
genital tract.
Types 16 and 18 cause 65% of cervical
cancers.
It is known that 20 million
individuals in the US are currently
infected and every year 6.2 million
individuals become infected.
Three fourths of these new infections
occur in 15-24 year olds.
More than a third
of women under 25 years have been
infected.
HPV is sexually transmitted. Multiple
sexual partners and early age of first
intercourse increase the risk of infection.
It is known that 80 % of women have been
exposed to HPV by age 50.
Most of the women who are exposed to HPV
do not develop abnormal Pap tests.
About 28% of the HPV positive patients
have an abnormal Pap.
5% develop high-grade lesions.
GENITAL WARTS are very common and every
year there are about a million new cases in the
US. These are caused by HPV types 6 and 11.
Local treatment of warts is effective.
Types 16 and 18 cause about 65%
of cervical cancers.
PREVENTION is through abstinence, regular
Pap smears and vaccination.
The vaccine has been available over the past
three years.
It is recommended until age 26.
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