Papillomavirus: what is this virus?

Papillomavirus (HPV) is a family of viruses with about 200 members. The vast majority affects the skin (warts), a quarantine more preferably affects the anal and genital areas. Almost all cervical cancers (99.7%!) Are due to them. The HPV 16 and 18 strains alone are the cause of three quarters of cancers.

Where are they found?

On the mucous membranes and on the skin ... but not in the blood or the sperm. So the condom is insufficient to protect against HPV. It limits the risk of contamination, that's all!

How is it transmitted?

In the vast majority of cases, infections are related to sexual intercourse . Since the virus can be present on the skin, it can be transmitted without sex, but it is very rare.

Are there co-factors that promote infection?

Smokers are more at risk, and the presence of another sexually transmitted infection (chlamydia, herpes ...) promotes the development of HPV.

Is HPV synonymous with cancer?

Fortunately, no! 80 to 85% of us will be infected with HPV at least once in their lifetime. More than 80% of women will naturally eliminate the virus, the infection then only lasting a few months. Only 15% to 20% will remain a carrier longer. In total, for every 100 women infected with HPV, fewer than 3 will ever have cervical cancer . The virus can also cause other cancers (very rare!) Of the vagina or vulva.

Is it the same HPV that gives condyloma and cancer?

Some cause only condyloma (kind of warts on the mucous membranes). Others can induce both lesions. QED: If you have had condyloma , be careful!

I have an HPV, should I inform my husband? My ex?

It is advisable, especially in patients with condyloma , that your spouse should peniscopia to see if he is not suffering from penile microlysis. Because he might recontaminate you. Especially since oncogenic HPV can (exceptionally!) Cause penile cancer. Know that if you discover an abnormal smear with persistence of HPV , you do not have to dig into the planner's diaries to know where and when he could catch them and contaminate you: in all likelihood, it's been years (10-15 years on average) that you are a carrier!

It seems that we can get vaccinated?

Two vaccines have recently been introduced. One ( Cervarix ) immunizes against HPV 16 and 18, and will be marketed shortly, the other ( Gardasil ), available since November 2006, is tetravalent and also protects against HPV 6 and HPV 11 (they do not cause cancer but are responsible for condyloma). Their effectiveness is close to 100%.

Once vaccinated, we do not need to make a smear anymore?

All false ! First, the vaccine is aimed primarily at young girls. The effect on the reduction of cervical cancer will be observed in 15 or 20 years! Moreover, 30% of cervical cancers are due to other HPV than the 16 and the 18 ... The vaccination thus strongly reduces the risk but does not exempt other means of screening (smear, HPV test, colposcopy) .

Is it refunded?

This should be done before July 2007. For now, an injection costs € 145.94 (3 are needed) for Gardasil . Cervarix will probably be offered in roughly equivalent prices. Some mutuals like Axa take care of some of the costs.

What are the HPV tests for?

To know if you carry one of 13 known carcinogenic HPV and 5 HPV of low risk. They are reimbursed in case of doubtful smear (60% reimbursement on the basis of 48.60 €).

To read. "The end of a cancer?" of Dr. Joseph Monsonego , ed. Grasset, 18,50 €.