HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)

WHAT IS HPV?

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a common virus with many types that affects the skin and mucous membranes. Most sexually active women and men encounter HPV at some point in their lives.

HPV infection mostly causes no symptoms and is usually brought under control by the immune system within 1–2 years. Some HPV types cause genital warts, while persistent infection with high-risk types can lead to precancerous cellular changes over time. Detection of HPV does not mean that you have cancer.

HOW IS HPV TRANSMITTED?

HPV can be transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral sex and close skin contact of the genital areas. Penetration or visible warts are not required for transmission. People who show no symptoms can also transmit the virus.

Correct and consistent condom use reduces the risk of transmission; however, since it does not cover the entire genital area, it does not provide complete protection.

HPV AND CERVICAL CANCER

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are associated with persistent infection with high-risk HPV types. HPV 16 and HPV 18 in particular are among the important high-risk types.

Most HPV infections do not progress to cancer. However, persistence of a high-risk infection can cause changes in cervical cells over the years. Regular screening allows these changes to be identified and appropriately managed before cancer develops.

WHAT IS THE HPV DNA TEST?

The HPV DNA test is a molecular test that looks for the virus's genetic material in the collected sample. Typing helps determine which type the detected HPV belongs to.

With the HPV typing test performed at Wellcare Laboratories, 35 HPV types in the low-risk and high-risk groups are investigated. In cervical cancer screening, evaluating high-risk HPV types is particularly important.

HOW IS THE SAMPLE COLLECTED?

For cervical evaluation, the sample is a cell or swab sample usually taken from the cervix by an obstetrician-gynecologist. The procedure is short and may cause a slight feeling of discomfort.

A biopsy is not required for routine HPV testing; it is performed if the physician considers it necessary after an examination or further evaluation.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE HPV TEST AND THE PAP SMEAR?

HPV test: Looks for the presence of high-risk HPV infection.

Pap smear: Evaluates whether there are abnormal changes in cervical cells.

These tests may be used alone or together, according to a screening approach appropriate to your age and medical history. The age to start screening and the frequency of testing are determined according to the guideline used, previous results and personal risks.

WHAT DO HPV TEST RESULTS MEAN?

Negative result: The HPV types that the test looks for were not detected in the sample. This result does not mean that HPV infection will not develop in the future; the recommended screening program should be continued.

Positive result: At least one of the HPV types that the test looks for was detected in the sample. Not every HPV type carries the same risk, and a positive result is not a cancer diagnosis.

The follow-up plan is determined according to the HPV type detected, the Pap smear result, your age and your previous tests. Your physician may recommend repeat testing, cellular evaluation or colposcopy.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST HPV?

1. Ask your physician about the HPV vaccine.
2. Use condoms correctly and consistently.
3. Do not neglect recommended cervical screenings.
4. Do not smoke; if you do, get support to quit.

Gardasil 9 provides protection against HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. The vaccine does not treat an existing HPV infection and does not replace regular screening.

The HPV vaccine and regular screening are the key steps in protecting cervical health.