Of the over 100 viruses characterized as HPVs, only those of the high-risk variety are carcinogenic. This high-risk type of HPV causes cervical lesions that lead to cancer. The greater majority of HPVs are temporary and not cancer causing, but it is the lingering viruses that often go unnoticed that are of utmost concern. It is the types of HPVs that cause cancer that will concern us here. These are types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68 and 73.
HPV Types 16 and 18
Although there are many types of Human Papilloma Virus that can lead to cervical cancer, types 16 and 18 are to blame for about 70 percent of cases HPV-16 and HPV-18 are sexually transmitted viruses. HPV-16 and HPV-18 reproduce rapidly and populate into many viral cells that eventually cause cancer. Precautions to safeguard against these carcinogenic strains should begin to be heeded at adolescence and continue to be heeded throughout women's lives.
Guarding Against HPV-16 and HPV-18
Since these strains of HPV are sexually transmitted, it would seem that one should refrain from all sexual activity, but the occurrence can be most often thwarted with a monogamous relationship as long as the single partner has not previously been infected. A generally unhealthy lifestyle, prolonged use of birth control pills and a weakened immune system can be contributors as well. Gardasil is a vaccine developed in the early part of the 21st century that has proven effective in safeguarding against cervical cancer.
Early Detection
Pap smears and pelvic exams play a large role in detecting these viruses before the abnormalities spread from the area in which they started and begin to invade surrounding tissues. It is recommended that women have Pap smears every three years. There is not cause for alarm if the test comes back showing abnormalities because many time they do not result in finding cancer, however, a follow-up is necessary to ensure that probability.
Don't Hide It
If you do have abnormal results from your Pap smear, share your feelings with people you trust. You may find that friends and relatives have had the same diagnoses in the past, and it can be comforting to know that their abnormalities were not malignant, and they can empathize with your feelings as you await any follow-up procedures for the final diagnosis.
Treatment
In the event that you are diagnosed with cervical cancer, the doctor will also determine to what stage the cancer has progressed. There are several treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Your physician can inform you of the intensity of each and decide which individual treatment would be best for your situation, or whether a combination of treatments would be most effective.
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