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| Human papillomavirus
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Scientists have identified more than 100 types of HPV, most of which are harmless. About 30 types are spread through sexual contact. Some types of HPV that cause genital infections can also cause cervical cancer and other genital cancers.
Like many STDs, genital HPV infections often do not have visible signs and symptoms. One study in the USA sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) reported that almost half of the women infected with HPV had no obvious symptoms. People who are infected but who have no symptoms may not know they can transmit HPV to others or that they can develop complications from the virus.
The only way to prevent getting an HPV infection is to avoid direct contact with the virus, which is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact. If one's sexual partner has warts that are visible in the genital area, one should avoid any sexual contact until the warts are treated. Studies have not confirmed that male latex condoms prevent transmission of HPV itself, but results do suggest that condom use may reduce the risk of developing diseases linked to HPV, such as genital warts and cervical cancer.
Some types of HPV (e.g. HPV 1) 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.
Some types of HPV (HPV 16,18,31) can cause cervical cancer, anal cancer, and cancer of the penis (a rare cancer). These viruses have also been associated with cancers of the head and neck. These tumours often have HPV viral sequences integrated into the cellular DNA. Some of the genes encoded by these viruses are known to act as oncogenes. The viral E6 protein binds to and degrades the cellular protein p53p53 also known as TP53 or tumor protein ( EC: ) is a gene that codes for a protein that regulates the cell cycle and hence functions as a tumor suppression. It is very important for cells in multicellular organisms to suppress cancer. P53 has been describ while the viral E7 protein interferes with the retinoblastomaRetinoblastoma is a cancer of the retina. It occurs mostly in younger children and accounts for about 3% of the cancers occurring in children younger than 15 years. The estimated annual incidence is approximately 4 per million children. The tumor may begi protein.
Most HPV infections do not progress to cervical cancer. If a woman does have abnormal cervical cells, a Pap test will detect them. It is particularly important for women who have abnormal cervical cells to undergo colposcopyA colposcopy or colcoscopy is a diagnostic procedure in which a colposcope is utilized to examine an illuminated, magnified view of the cervix, vagina, and vulva. Many premalignant lesions and malignant lesions in these areas have discernible characterist so that precancerous and cancerous lesions can be detected and treated early, if necessary.