Physical Wellness

Sexually Transmitted Cancers Caused By HPV Infections; Symptoms and Treatments [VIDEO]

By yasmin reyes | Update Date: Nov 10, 2016 09:30 AM EST

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for many sexually transmitted forms of cancers. Knowing the cancer's early symptoms leads to early detection, which is crucial in determining the most effective treatment, which often includes, surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses. High-risk HPV commonly leads to cancer particularly caused by HPV 16 or 18, according to the official website of the National Cancer Institute. Listed below are the more common kinds of sexually transmitted HPV caused cancers as reported by Medical Daily.

Oral cancer can be found in any parts of the head, but more commonly in the mouth or throat. The American Cancer Society reports that as many as 48,000 Americans each year have oral cancer and 9,500 die each year. Early symptoms include any abnormal growth, which can be removed by surgery. Other treatments include radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Anal cancer results to the growth of malignant cells in the anus. HPV infections are responsible for a majority of squamous cell anal cancers. Symptoms to watch out for include bleeding, lumps and changes in bowel movement. Lumps can be removed by surgery and further treatments include radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Cervical cancer has been one of the leading causes of death of American women in the past. However, the numbers have been significantly reduced with an extensive campaign on regular Pap tests, which is a standard screening for sexually active women. A woman with cervical cancer will first have an HPV infection, which can be contracted through sexual activity or the use of sex toys. There are no visible manifestations of the disease, which is why a Pap test is crucial to its early detection. Treatment includes radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Penis or Penile cancer is also known as the cancer of the male reproductive organ. Though HPV Infections only account for less than half around 47 percent that leads to cancer, the disease takes 340 lives each year out of 2,030 reported cases. Early symptoms include the presence of sores and lumps, irritation, redness, abnormal discharge and bleeding. Treatment options may involve surgery or radiation therapy.

Vaginal or vulvar cancer is the rarest of all sexually transmitted HPV-caused cancers. Vaginal occurs in the vagina while vulvar is in the outer part of the female genitals. More than half of vulvar cancers are caused by HPV infections. The Spread of the disease is mainly through sexual activity, though medical researchers see hints of other alternative routes that still need further investigation. There is no standard screening for early detection but early symptoms include growth and abnormal bleeding. This type of cancer responds well to treatment when detected early.

© 2023 Counsel & Heal All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Join the Conversation

Real Time Analytics