At the obstetrics and gynecology clinic, I have come into contact with many patients who have been diagnosed with cervical cancer due to discomfort such as vaginal bleeding and discharge. I am deeply saddened to see them tormented by illness. In fact, cervical cancer is a preventable and treatable disease, and understanding HPV is a key step in preventing cervical cancer.
1、 What is HPV? HPV, also known as human papillomavirus, is a widely present and relatively common virus. Currently, humans have discovered over 200 subtypes of HPV. These subtypes differ in their characteristics and effects on the human body, and can be roughly divided into high-risk and low-risk types based on their carcinogenicity. The persistent infection of high-risk HPV can be regarded as the primary factor leading to cervical cancer. The two subtypes, HPV16 and HPV18, are particularly closely associated with cervical cancer. Low risk HPV usually does not induce cervical cancer, but it may cause benign lesions such as genital warts, such as HPV6 and HPV11, which account for about 90% of genital warts. Although these lesions are generally not life-threatening, they can cause both physical and psychological discomfort to patients.
The main transmission route of HPV is through sexual contact, but indirect contact can also lead to infection, such as sharing towels, toilet seats, etc. Many people think that only people with multiple sexual partners can be infected with HPV, but in fact, this is not the case. Even with only one sexual partner, it is possible to be infected. Moreover, HPV infection is very common, and most sexually active women may have been infected with HPV in their lifetime, but most people can clear the virus through their own immune system.
2、 The relationship between HPV and cervical cancer
From being infected with high-risk HPV to developing cervical cancer, it is a long and variable process that usually takes several years or even more than a decade, with an average duration of 10-15 years. In the early stages of infection, most people have no symptoms, and about 80% -90% of infected individuals have their immune system naturally clearing the virus within 8-24 months. If the virus continues to infect the human body for more than 2 years, it enters the stage of sustained infection, which may cause cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. From mild lesions to moderate to severe, and then to cervical cancer, regular cervical cancer screening such as HPV testing, TCT testing, etc. can effectively prevent the occurrence of cervical cancer by detecting and intervening in a timely manner.
When high-risk HPV continues to infect cervical epithelial cells, it can cause cellular lesions, gradually progressing from mild lesions to severe lesions, and ultimately possibly evolving into cervical cancer. So, regular cervical cancer screening is very important. Through screening, early cervical lesions can be detected, and timely treatment measures can be taken to prevent further development of the lesions.
3、 How to detect HPV
Currently, there are two main methods for detecting HPV: HPV nucleic acid testing and HPV antibody testing. HPV nucleic acid testing is a method of detecting the presence of HPV DNA in cervical cells, which has high accuracy and can detect specific HPV subtypes. HPV antibody testing is a test for the presence of HPV antibodies in the blood, which can only indicate a previous infection with HPV, but cannot determine whether one is currently infected.
Generally speaking, it is recommended that women who engage in sexual activity undergo an HPV test and cervical cytology examination once a year. If both test results are normal, the screening interval can be appropriately extended. If the test results are abnormal, the doctor will conduct further examination and diagnosis based on the specific situation.
4、 Preventive and therapeutic measures
1. Preventive measures
Getting vaccinated against HPV is the most effective way to prevent HPV infection and cervical cancer. There are currently bivalent, quadrivalent, and nonavalent HPV vaccines on the market, which can prevent different subtypes of HPV infection. The bivalent vaccine mainly prevents HPV16 and HPV18, the quadrivalent vaccine can prevent HPV6 and HPV11 in addition to these two subtypes, and the nine valent vaccine can prevent more subtypes of HPV infection. Vaccines of different valences are suitable for women of different ages, and everyone can choose the appropriate vaccine for vaccination according to their own situation.
In addition, maintaining good lifestyle habits is also very important. Pay attention to personal hygiene, avoid unclean sexual behavior, and consistently use condoms to reduce the risk of HPV infection. At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen exercise and enhance immunity, which helps the body clear HPV virus.
2. Treatment measures
If infected with HPV, there is no need to panic too much. In most cases, the human immune system is capable of clearing viruses on its own. If cervical lesions occur, doctors will adopt different treatment methods based on the severity of the lesions. For mild lesions, they can generally be treated through medication, physical therapy, and other methods; For severe lesions, surgical treatment may be necessary.
5、 Summary
Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor that seriously threatens women's health and often makes people feel scared to talk about it. But in reality, as long as we have a scientific and comprehensive understanding of HPV, we can break this fear. In daily life, actively getting vaccinated against HPV, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and managing sexual health are all effective preventive measures. At the same time, regular cervical screening, such as HPV testing and TCT testing, can detect abnormalities in a timely manner. Early prevention, early detection, and early intervention can greatly reduce the risk of cervical cancer. I hope every woman can prioritize her own health and build a strong defense line for life through her actions.