Types of HPV That Are Associated With Cancer

Recent studies now show that HPV plays a role in cancer, most notably cervical cancer. HPV can also contribute a role in cancer of the anus, vagina, vulva, bladder and oral cavity. It is also being studied in penile cancer cases. HPV strains that can cause genital warts are not of the same strains that cause cancer. The majority of HPV infections go away on their own without leading to cancer, but around a dozen high-risk strains are clearly linked to cancer cases.

HPV Types 16 &18

HPV types 16 and 18 have been shown to cause nearly 70% of all cervical cancer cases. These strains have also been present in oral cancer patients. HPV-16 was most often found in squamous cell carcinomas. HPV-18 was more predominate in adenomatous lesion tumors. Infection of high risk strains of HPV increase the chance that slight cell abnormalities will progress to more serious abnormalities or even cancer. A small amount of women who have abnormal cell changes will ever develop cervical cancer. Several other factors are known to play a role in the development of cervical cancer. Persistent infection with the HPV strains most associated with cervical cancer increases the risk of abnormal cell findings in Pap tests. In women who do have abnormal Pap results, regular follow-up exams can treat pre-cancerous lesions before they turn into cancer. HPV-16 is the most commonly found strain in patients who have oral cancer that tested HPV positive. Though the risk is very small, only about 1 in 10,000 people, the risk is still there that HPV plays a role in developing oral cancer. Like cervical cancer, there are also several other factors that may lead to oral cancer as well. Tobacco and alcohol use are the main contributors. Studies on HPV and its relation to cancer are still relatively new. Tests do show now that HPV is present in anal cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, and penile cancer. Strains 16 and 18 are most often the ones found present. These cancers are still extremely rare though.

HPV and Drugs

A new breakthrough drug called Gardasil is currently the only vaccine available given to prevent HPV 16 and 18, which cause most cervical cancers, and HPV 6 and 11 which cause almost all cases of genital warts. The vaccine does not prevent all kinds of cervical cancer and it will not treat cancer or warts. It also will not prevent a certain HPV strain if you already have it present in your body. Further research is being done to see how well it might prevent oral cancers or whether or not it will protect men from these HPV strains as well.

Don't Forget Your Vitamins!

Until there is more known about HPV and its cancer risks, protecting yourself is your best option. By staying healthy and keeping your immune system strong, you can help fight off HPV infection if you do contract one. Practicing safe sex and limiting your number of sex partners will help. Getting regular dental exams and Pap smears (for women) can also detect any abnormalities before they have a chance to turn into cancer. In the future there may be more vaccines available to help guard against the most dangerous strains of HPV. New natural products are available on the market that help keep your immune system healthy and alleviate symptoms of HPV.