what is hpv?

Question

I have been hearing about this illnes that it can cause cancer
what are the sytems?
when do woman have to start going to checks for breast cancer?

Answer 1

From the United States Department of Health & Human Services

Human Papillomavirus and Genital Warts
OVERVIEW
Human papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world. Health experts estimate there are more cases of genital HPV infection than any other STI in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 6.2 million new cases of sexually transmitted HPV infections are reported every year. At least 20 million people in this country are already infected.

Genital warts

Genital warts (sometimes called condylomata acuminata or venereal warts) are the most easily recognized sign of genital HPV infection. Many people, however, have a genital HPV infection without genital warts.

Genital warts are soft, moist, or flesh colored and appear in the genital area within weeks or months after infection. They sometimes appear in clusters that resemble cauliflower-like bumps, and are either raised or flat, small or large. Genital warts can show up in women on the vulva and cervix, and inside and surrounding the vagina and anus. In men, genital warts can appear on the scrotum or penis. There are cases where genital warts have been found on the thigh and groin.

CAUSE
More than 100 different types of HPV exist, most of which are harmless. About 30 types are spread through sexual contact and are classified as either low risk or high risk. Some types of HPV cause genital warts-single or multiple bumps that appear in the genital areas of men and women including the vagina, cervix, vulva (area outside of the vagina), penis, and rectum. These are considered low risk types. High-risk types of HPV may cause abnormal Pap smear results and could lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, or penis. Many people infected with HPV have no symptoms.
Some types of HPV cause common skin warts, such as those found on the hands and soles of the feet. These types of HPV do not cause genital warts.

Answer 2

HPV is human papilloma virus. It is the virus which causes genital warts. It is an STD. It can lead to cervical cancer. There is a new vaccine for it, which prevents the major strains that do cause cervical cancer. It does not protect against every single strain of HPV.
Usually, mammograms are recommended yearly for women starting at age 40. mammograms are usually not performed on women under age 25. The breast tissue is usually too dense in young women for the mammogram to be useful anyway. Instead these women (if there is an extensive family history of breast cancer or if they find a suspicious lump) can have an ultrasound of their breast.
All women should perform monthly self breast exams and should receive a breast exam from their physician or nurse practitioner at the time of their yearly physical.

Answer 3

HPV - human papilomavirus. It is the virus that will cause cervical cancer if un-treated. Yearly PAP smears will help in the detection of HPV/Cervical Cancer. There is also Gardisil - it is a new vaccine against HPV.

To answer your 2nd question - I think mid thirities is when mammograms start - but my OBGYN checks mine every time i go in for my annual. I also check myself each month - the importance of monthly self checks needs to be repeated.

And to the poster who said it's an STD - yes, certain forms of it are an STD - i caught a virus in the hospital when i had pneumonia that caused warts to form on the inside of my arms and nowhere else - it was classified as a case of HPV and was not an STD - especially b/c i was five. I also had cervical dysplasia as caused by the HPV later in life and no warts "down there" - again, not classified as an STD. It is not always an STD.

Answer 4

HPV is a virus that can cause Cervical Cancer... it can be detected in a Pap. The symptoms can go unnoticed.

A woman should start doing self breast exams by the age of 18 once a month right after their period. They should get a doctor check up atleast once a year.

Answer 5

hpv is human papalove virus, it is a sexually transmitted disease and is similar to any other std. i have no idea why no one is coming out and saying that it, in fact, is a std! it almost seems as if the hype about the virus wants people to believe that if someone infected with hpv can sneeze on someone and pass it on! the only way to pass hpv is to have sex with someone. and women should start checking themselves for breast cancer as soon as they start their period, if nothing more than to get in the healthy habbit. A woman should have regular screenings for breast cancer around the age of 30. hope i was some help..

Answer 6

human papillomavirus, it ca lead to cervical cancer