Although HPV is directly related to the increased chances of developing cervical cancer, not all types of HPV cause cancer. Other types of cancer that may be linked to HPV are cancer in the vagina, vulva, penis, anus and also cancer of the mouth.
There is a greater risk of suffering from cervical cancer when infected with HPV types 16 and 18. However, this risk is even greater in people who smoke, take the birth control pill, have many sexual partners or have sexually transmitted diseases transmissible. This means that not all women who have HPV will develop cervical cancer.
The development of cervical cancer occurs slowly and therefore, when carrying out treatment against HPV the chances of developing cancer are reduced. When malignant changes are discovered early in their development, there is a greater possibility of cure. Learn all about HPV.
HPV is not always curable
Some people who have the HPV virus can have a spontaneous cure in the first 2 years with the disease, but when this does not happen the HPV will have a definitive cure, being only controlled with the use of medications whenever symptoms, such as genital warts and itching, if they manifest.
Ideally, when you notice any changes in the genital region, make an appointment for a doctor.
Signs that may indicate cervical cancer
Symptoms of cervical cancer usually only appear at a later stage of the disease. But there are some warning signs that you need to go to the doctor, such as:
- Smelly brown vaginal discharge; Pain in the pelvic region and Vaginal bleeding after intimate contact.
Usually these symptoms indicate only an infection, but those who have HPV should go to the doctor immediately because these symptoms can indicate complications such as cancer. The doctor should order tests such as a pap smear or colposcopy with a biopsy to identify changes in the uterine tissue that may represent cancer and, depending on the result, indicate the appropriate treatment.
The treatment of cervical cancer can be done with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, but in some cases surgery may be necessary to remove the uterus or other areas that may be affected.
How to prevent cancer
The best way to avoid cancer that is linked to HPV is not to be infected with the HPV virus.
But those who already have the virus must follow the treatment proposed by the doctor, taking all the measures indicated by him, such as using condoms in every intimate contact, making sure that the lesions are properly covered by condoms, and investing in a healthy diet to strengthen the Imune system.
Women who do not have HPV should avoid being infected, and treat any sexually transmitted diseases because they increase the chances of being infected with HPV. It is recommended to go to the gynecologist at least once a year and another possibility is to take the HPV vaccine, which is indicated for girls between 9 and 12 years of age, although it can also be applied to women and men up to 25 years old. See the side effects caused by the HPV vaccine.
