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The Hidden Virus Behind Cervical CancerOver one fourth of all women may be infected with a virus that may remain undetected by routine methods, such as the Pap smear. This virus, called Human Papilloma Virus (“HPV”), has now reached almost epidemic proportions among sexually active women. If left untreated for many years HPV has been linked to the potential development of cervical cancer. Discover whether HPV is a Threat to You:Experts estimate that over 85 % of all women with cervical cancer at one time were infected with HPV. Studies have shown that with proper detection and definitive treatment, the human papilloma virus should not progress to a cancerous stage. One reason why HPV is not detected is the widespread reliance only on the Pap smear—often thought to be a fail-safe test for cervical disease. If a woman’s Pap smear came back "negative," she was told that she was free of cervical disorders. Recent studies have shown that pap smears often fail to diagnose HPV, a possible precursor to cancer. Frequently, women report no symptoms of an abnormality that would indicate HPV. When there are symptoms, they may include:
Often, it is up to the primary care physician or gynecologist to rule out the possibility of HPV. Here, warning signs include:
Who Gets the Virus?Age is no barrier to HPV. Women of all ages have been found to have HPV. All sexually active women are at risk, even those in a monogamous relationship: Although HPV is primarily spread by sexual contact, this is not always the case. There are reports of infection from gym equipment, tanning beds and shared towels. Another cause is thought to be a depressed immune system—such as that caused by smoking. Finally, some women may have been born with the infection.
New Technology Detects HPV Before it reaches A More Critical StageBecause of modern medical advances, procedures are available to help discover and treat diseases that were once responsible for disability and even death. The Thin Prep is a specialized Pap smear designed to eliminate errors by human technologists. This test adds to the cost of a Pap smear, however insurance may not pay for it. An aggressive approach to chronic infections or a Pap smear showing only "Inflammatory Changes” often discovers unsuspected HPV. With Proper Treatment, HPV Rarely Progresses to Cervical CancerTo halt the progress of the HPV epidemic, it is believed that within a few years every sexually active woman will be told to have some sort of diagnostic test for human papilloma virus along with her Pap smear. If HPV is suspected, one or more of the following may be utilized:
Effective Diagnosis and Treatment are NOW AVAILABLE in Our AreaThe Center for Women's Health is known in the metro Kansas City area for innovative treatment methods. Because of clinical research affiliations with major pharmaceutical companies, Dr. Hodes and Dr. Nauser have access to new developments that are not yet widely available. They have been involved in the study of Human Papilloma Virus, and are dedicated to alerting women in our area to its danger. The office is equipped with the latest Colposcopy equipment, as well as in-office Laser and LEEP surgery. The staff is especially sensitive to the needs of women with HPV and provides the compassionate care they need to fully recover. Center for Women’s
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Last modified: 05/04/08 09:15:45 AM |
