Papilloma virus

**Lexicon entry: Papillomavirus** **Definition:** The papillomavirus, in particular the human papillomavirus (HPV), is a group of viruses that can cause skin and mucous membrane infections. There are over 200 different types of HPV, some of which cause benign warts, while others have been linked to the development of cancers, particularly cervical cancer. **Transmission:** - **Direct skin contact:** HPV is mainly transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact. - **Sexual contact:** Most genital HPV infections are transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral sex. - **Contaminated surfaces:** In rare cases, HPV can be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces. **Symptoms:** Many HPV infections are asymptomatic and heal on their own. The following symptoms may occur with symptomatic infections: - **Skin warts:** Benign growths on the skin, often on the hands and feet. - **Genital warts:** Soft growths in the genital and anal area. - **Precancerous lesions:** Changes in the cells in the cervix that can be detected by a Pap test. **Cancer risk:** Certain high-risk HPV types, in particular HPV-16 and HPV-18, are associated with the development of cervical cancer as well as other cancers such as anal cancer, penile cancer, vaginal cancer and some head and neck tumours. **Diagnosis:** - **Pap test (Pap smear):** For the detection of cell changes in the cervix. - **HPV test:** To detect high-risk HPV types in cervical cells. - **Biopsy:** To examine suspicious tissue changes. **Treatment:** There is no specific treatment for the virus itself, but the symptoms and consequences of the infection can be treated: - **Cancer treatment:** Removal by icing, laser therapy or surgical procedures. - **Treatment of precancerous lesions:** Monitoring or removal of altered cells in the cervix. **Prevention:** - **HPV vaccination:** Protects against the most common high-risk HPV types and is recommended for adolescents and young adults. - **Safer sex practices:** Condom use can reduce the risk of HPV transmission. - **Regular screening:** Pap tests and HPV tests for early detection of cell changes. **What you need to know:** - HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. - Most sexually active people are infected with HPV Most sexually active people become infected with HPV at some point in their lives, often without realising it. **Research:** Research on HPV is focused on developing improved vaccines, understanding the mechanisms of viral infection and replication, and improving diagnosis and treatment methods for HPV-associated diseases.