In this growing world, protecting against potential threats is immensely important. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one such concern, affecting millions worldwide.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Human Papillomavirus is a common virus that can affect both men and women, causing skin or mucous membrane warts. There are more than 100 varieties of HPV. Most HPVs cause warts, while some of them can even cause cancer. It is mainly transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, which mostly leads to warts at different parts, including genitals, but a few genital HPV viruses can even result in cancer. These include cancer of the cervix, anus, penis, vagina, vulva, oropharyngeal, etc.
Symptoms of HPV
Type of wart |
Appearance |
Locations |
Effects |
Genital warts |
Flat lesions, Cauliflower-like bumps |
Women: vulva, anus, vagina Men: penis, scrotum |
Rarely cause discomfort but can itch or feel tender |
Common warts |
Rough, raised bumps |
Hands and fingers |
Unsightly but can be painful and cause injury or bleeding |
Planter warts |
Hard, grainy growth |
Heels or balls of feet |
Cause discomfort |
Flat warts |
Flat-topped, slightly raised |
Anywhere but children usually have on face |
Usually painless |
HPV Cervical Cancer
Almost all cervical cancer is due to the HPV virus. The HPV virus does not directly cause cancer; rather, it increases the risk for those with a weak immune system. If the immune system is unable to defeat the HPV virus, the cells remain in the body and multiply, which could lead to cancer. Initially, there are no significant symptoms of cervical cancer; this could take even 20 years or longer to turn into an infection.
Vaccination for the HPV virus is potentially the best cure to prevent this discomfort. Since early cervical cancer does not cause any symptoms, it is suggested to have a regular checkup test to detect any abnormalities that might cause cancer.
Who is more prone to HPV infection?
Number of sexual partners: The more sexual partners there are, the greater the probability of conceiving a genital HPV infection. Having intercourse with multiple partners also increases the risk.
Age: Common warts mostly infect children, while genital warts infect adolescents and young adults.
Weakened immune systems: The weaker the immune system, the greater the risk of HPV infections.
Damaged skin: Skins which are exposed, open, or punctured are more likely to develop common warts.
Personal contact. Touching someone's warts or not wearing protection before contacting surfaces that have been exposed to HPV might increase the risk of HPV infection.
Treatment of HPV
Making people aware of HPV is the foremost step towards protection from HPV infection. Most of the warts are not serious enough to be fatal, and it is worth noting that many of them often go away without treatment.
Genital warts are caused by sexual intercourse, anal sex, or skin-to-skin contact in the genital region. These infections do not cause any symptoms but could gradually multiply to cause cancer in the genital regions. Therefore, vaccination is only the best treatment against these infections, as it provides us immunity to fight against them, easily preventing them from being cancerous.
Since it is found that there are no symptoms of such infections, cells could proliferate and result in cancer. It is suggested to have a regular diagnostic test for any HPV-infectious growth.
- Pap Test: It is a routine examination that involves gently scraping cells from the cervix, or sometimes anus, using a swab, which is then examined for any abnormalities.
- DNA Test: A DNA test can determine the presence of high-risk HPV types in cervical cells. A DNA test for HPV detection includes sample collection by Pap test or swabbing of the mouth, throat, or anus.
- Colposcopy is the examination of the cervix with a colposcope.
- Cervical biopsy: This test detects HPV and other types of early cervical cancer. Collect a sample of cervical tissue and inspect it under a microscope.
HPV testing becomes a pivotal method in the identification of high-risk strains that may lead to cervical cancer.
TM Media reduces the hassle of HPV sample collection and transportation
HPV testing becomes a crucial method in the identification of high-risk strains that may lead to cervical cancer. Therefore, efficient and rapid HPV sample collection and transportation are vital. That is where TM Media comes into play; they provide two such prominent products that enable sample collection and transportation highly efficiently: the Viral Transport Kit (TMVT 001) and the Sterile Nylon Swab for HPV specimen collection (TMC 074). They are the go-to-tool for swift and comfortable HPV specimen collection. They are a single package for collection and secure transportation, with a robust design that ensures sample integrity during transit.
Summary
Cervical cancer is the result of the HPV virus. Hence, early detection of HPV infection is very important for the prevention of cancer. TM Media’s Viral Transport Kit is a complete solution to this process, ensuring easy testing with safe transportation.
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