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HPV, or “Human Papilloma Virus,” is a virus that can infect both men and women, primarily targeting the genital areas and causing infections.
In recent years, the prevalence of HPV has increased globally and in our country. HPV is not a single virus type but rather a group of viruses with about 100 subtypes.
Approximately 14 of these subtypes have a high risk of causing cancer. HPV, which is transmitted sexually, primarily causes warts, also known as condylomas, in the genital area but may affect other parts of the body as well.
This virus group is the leading cause of cervical cancer and may also lead to cancers of the head, neck, and anal regions, as well as vaginal and vulvar cancers in women, and penile cancer in men.
In men, human papilloma virus often manifests as warts on the genital organs and nearby areas. When transmitted to women through skin contact, shared toilet use, or sexual contact, HPV may lead to genital warts and pose a risk of causing cervical cancer and other cancers mentioned above.
In some cases, even if the virus is transmitted, there may be a long, silent incubation period of 5-10 years. During this period, the virus may not cause any symptoms or discomfort. Therefore, it is recommended to have regular HPV tests at intervals determined by a doctor to detect it at an early stage and prevent it from causing cancer.
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a type of virus that resides inside human cells and multiplies as the cells divide. HPV has over 100 subtypes, with types HPV-16 and HPV-18 accounting for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide.
It is also known that these types and other HPV subtypes are responsible for about 15-20% of all cancers globally. Therefore, early detection of the virus in carriers is crucial for preventing cancer and identifying potential cancer risks in the initial stages.
Regular HPV testing is particularly recommended for individuals over 30. Additionally, the HPV virus test may be necessary in certain situations as determined by a physician.
The HPV screening test primarily helps detect individuals at high risk for cancers by screening for HPV types 16, 18, and other high-risk types linked to cervical and certain other cancers.
Many individuals considering or recommended for an HPV test by their doctors often ask questions like how HPV testing is done in women and if it is painful. Although commonly asked, questions about HPV DNA testing or HPV blood testing are somewhat misleading, as this is not a DNA or blood test but an examination of cell samples taken from the cervix under laboratory conditions.
Contrary to common fears, the HPV test is a quick, simple, and painless procedure that takes less than a minute. In addition to helping prevent cancer, it is a beneficial application that helps mitigate many health risks. It can be part of routine health screenings or performed if there is a need to investigate the cause of a wart found in the genital area. The HPV test for women does not require any preparation and is completed in as little as 15-20 seconds, so there is no need for fear.
Currently, there is no approved HPV test specifically for men. HPV screening tests are only available for women. However, since the virus often manifests in men through genital warts, men who observe wart formation around their genital organs should consult a physician immediately for an examination.
If detected, the male partner’s awareness should prompt their female partner to undergo HPV testing, especially if she is sexually active, even if she is under 30.
The HPV test can be performed by a doctor, nurse, or midwife. The patient is asked to sit on a gynecological examination chair. A special tool called a speculum, made of metal or plastic, is inserted into the vagina by the healthcare professional. This tool separates the vaginal walls, allowing a clear view of the cervix, where the sample is taken.
The speculum is inserted closed into the vagina and opened slightly to allow visibility. During this, the patient may feel mild pressure, and a slight brush sensation may be felt when the sample is taken. Other than this, the procedure is painless, and patients do not feel any discomfort.
A small spatula or brush is used to collect sample cells from the cervix. This is the entirety of the procedure, and it ends when the instrument is removed. The collected sample is sent to relevant laboratories for analysis. The HPV test is performed similarly to a Pap smear, and when necessary, it can be done alongside the Pap smear.
Your doctor may recommend an HPV test under the following circumstances:
The results of the HPV screening test can be obtained within a few weeks at most. These results are evaluated by expert doctors at the relevant laboratory and then assessed by your doctor. There are two types of results:
If your HPV test result is negative, it means you are healthy, so no action is needed. If the test was conducted to investigate a specific gynecological health issue, your doctor may seek further investigations. If the HPV test was part of routine health screenings, your doctor will inform you and set a date for your next examination.
A positive result indicates that you have the virus, but it has not caused any abnormalities in your cervical cells. In this case, what to do next depends on the doctor’s examination and evaluations. In many cases, close monitoring of the cervical cells is initiated, which may be considered a careful waiting period.
If the test result is positive and abnormal cervical cells are detected, your doctor may take a biopsy from the cervix for further examination in the laboratory. In some cases, cervical cells can be closely examined using a method called colposcopy, which uses magnifying lenses and light.
Depending on the results, the removal of abnormal cells from the cervix may be recommended. The treatment plan is determined based on the patient’s health status and the results of further diagnostic tests.
Regular HPV screening can significantly prevent cervical cancer. If you are looking for answers to questions such as how HPV testing is done, what HPV screening involves, how HPV DNA testing is conducted, or what the HPV test costs, you can consult a gynecologist to learn about HPV testing and then proceed with testing.
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