Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
What is it?
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is one of the commonest mucous-cutaneous infection causing warts, condylomatas and dysplastic changes in the genito-anal area in men and women. HPV is the main pathogenetic agent of the squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix and anal canal since the virus has the ability to induce cells alteration driving the infected tissue to become neoplastic. The immune system plays a fundamental role in modulating the Viral activity in the tissues, so that any condition that reduces the competence of the immune system can favor the development of HPV induced squamous cell carcinoma. Fortunately is now well known that squamous cancer of the anal canal is preceded by a condition known as pre-cancerous lesion that could be easily treated to avoid progression to invasive cancer.
Which are the symptoms?
They are usually asymptomatic. Patients usually consult a specialist because they have small skin growths in the perianal area.
- perianal lesions
- itching
How is it diagnosed?
The diagnosis is usually clinical because of the typical features of papillomatous lesions. Diagnosis with certainty is usually made isotologically (biopsy result).
Suggested exams
How is it treated?
In case of presence of condylomatas or pre-cancerous lesions a target treatment can be applied with a laser, electric or radio frequency energy, destroying the infected tissue
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