Human papilloma virus: what are the characteristics?

By Cristiano Antonino On Jun 12, 2023

Papilloma Virus, also known as HPV (Human Papillomavirus), is a very widespread virus worldwide which, due to its specific modes of transmission, mainly affects developing countries

When we talk about Papilloma Virus, it is frequent to refer to a gynecological condition, what is still little known is that this infection – caused by a virus with a DNA genome – affects women and men without distinction.

The main difference is that women are at greater risk of developing complications related to this infection.

Papilloma Virus infection should not be underestimated.

Papilloma virus: ways of contagion

Papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted microorganism.

It is estimated that at least 50% of sexually active people contract this virus at least once in their life, making it the most common sexually transmitted disease worldwide.

The virus is transmitted from person to person through direct sexual contact (vaginal, anal and oral) and – unlike other diseases – it is also transmissible only through external contact, without penetration.

Papilloma virus: symptoms

In most cases, especially in male individuals, the pathology appears asymptomatic and runs naturally without the patient realizing it.

The virus, sexually contracted, remains latent in the genital mucosa where it remains inactive for months or even years, until it is naturally eliminated by the immune system.

In other, less frequent cases, the virus presents itself with various symptoms:

Warts

Warts are warty-looking lesions detectable at the level of the penis, scrotum, anus, larynx.

These growths can occur single or multiple, grouped or scattered throughout the genital area, raised or flat, small or modest in size, of the same color as the mucosa, with a wrinkled appearance, generally not painful.

Preneoplastic lesions

The papilloma virus is capable of triggering cellular modifications which may be at the basis of the development of neoplastic pathologies.

Anal cancer

Anal carcinoma is a rather rare neoplasm which is generally – in 90% of cases – related to the papilloma virus. It occurs predominantly in male individuals.

Anal cancer grows asymptomatic until it reaches considerable size causing rectal bleeding, tenesmus, anal pain, itching, swelling of the anal area.

Penile cancer

Penile cancer is also a rather rare neoplasm, related – in 60% of cases – to the papilloma virus.

Penile cancer presents itself as a lump with a hard consistency, well rooted in the surrounding tissues, of a different color than the surrounding tissues, reddened, ulcerative, thickened and not necessarily painful.

Laryngeal cancer

Laryngeal carcinoma is rarely associated with papilloma virus, more frequently with alcohol abuse and smoking.

It presents with difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing, itching, coughing and weight loss.

If the subject presents symptomatic, with open and highly contagious lesions, the possibility that the papilloma virus can be transmitted to a healthy subject is greater, compared to a subject without lesions.

Papilloma virus: diagnosis and treatment

To date, there is no test approved by the scientific community to diagnose the presence of the papilloma virus in men, unlike the PAP test used to detect the papilloma virus at the level of the uterine cervix.

The diagnosis of the presence of papilloma virus in humans is carried out by means of a biopsy which is prescribed in the event that there are symptoms that suggest the presence of the infection.

Treatment is chosen based on the symptoms.

If the symptomatology is mild, we intervene with the use of topical ointments or cryotherapy.

In the presence of carcinomas, on the other hand, surgical removal of the tumor may be necessary.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment Of The Papilloma Virus

What Is The Papilloma Virus And How Can It Be Treated?