Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects both men and women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over 200 different types of HPV, of which around 40 are known to infect the genital area. Not all types of HPV cause health problems, and most infections go away on their own without causing any symptoms or complications. However, certain types of HPV can cause genital warts, cervical cancer, and other cancers of the genitals, anus, throat, and mouth.
Types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) :
Low-risk HPV types:
Low-risk HPV types are those that are unlikely to cause cancer but can cause genital warts. The most common types of low-risk HPV include HPV 6 and HPV 11. These types of HPV can cause warts on the genitals, anus, and throat. Although these warts are not usually harmful, they can be uncomfortable and may need to be treated.
High-risk HPV types:
High-risk HPV types are those that are associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. These types of HPV can cause changes to the cells in the cervix, anus, penis, and throat, which can lead to cancer if left untreated. The most common types of high-risk HPV include HPV 16 and HPV 18. These two types of HPV are responsible for around 70% of all cervical cancer cases.
Other high-risk HPV types:
In addition to HPV 16 and HPV 18, there are several other high-risk HPV types that can cause cancer. These include HPV 31, HPV 33, HPV 35, HPV 39, HPV 45, HPV 51, HPV 52, HPV 56, HPV 58, and HPV 59. These types of HPV are less common than HPV 16 and HPV 18 but are still considered high-risk.
HPV types associated with specific cancers:
Some types of HPV are more strongly associated with certain types of cancer than others. For example, HPV 16 and HPV 18 are strongly associated with cervical cancer, while HPV 31, HPV 33, and HPV 45 are strongly associated with other types of genital cancer, such as vaginal and vulvar cancer. HPV 16 is also strongly associated with anal cancer, while HPV 18 is strongly associated with oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the throat).
HPV types not associated with cancer:
Not all types of HPV are associated with an increased risk of cancer. Some types of HPV, such as HPV 1, HPV 2, and HPV 4, can cause common warts on the hands and feet but are not associated with cancer.
Get a test kit to detect HPV.
The LifeCell HPV kit is a diagnostic tool used to test for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The LifeCell HPV kit is a reliable and efficient tool for early detection of HPV, which is crucial in preventing the development of cervical cancer. Regular screening using this kit can help women take appropriate measures to protect their health and well-being.
