HPV (Human Papilloma
Virus) Incidence Rising.
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| A virus lives inside a cell |
What is HPV?
HPV is a group viruses.
These like all viruses live inside cells. When they enter a cell, they take
over and use the cell's reproductive capacity to reproduce themselves and thus
spread. Most viruses have a short life outside the body and are usually species specific
(you cannot catch a virus from your dog and vice versa).
The HPV virus causes a
type of wart (papilloma).
 |
| HPV papilloma on the skin |
What is the History of
HPV?
It was first discovered
in the 1950's. In 1972 the association with skin cancer and HPV5 was made. A
few years later it was learned that there was a link between HPV 16, HPV18 and
cervical cancers. More recently a link between these same HPV strains (16 and
18) and certain oral cancers has been established.
How is HPV passed?
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| HPV can be passed by kissing |
HPV is commonly considered a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). Skin to skin contact is usually necessary
to pass the virus. A sexual act is not necessary to pass it. Deep Kissing and
Oral Sex can cause HPV infections of the mouth. It has been postulated that
drinking from the same glass has passed the virus from an infected individual to
another in rare instances.
What are the chances of getting HPV?
 |
| chances are high thay all of you will get HPV at some time |
Almost everyone will be infected with a strain
of HPV at some time in their life. There many strains of HPV. The
majority of these are usually self limiting and of no consequence.
Are some HPV infections
dangerous?
Some are dangerous but
most are not. Most of the time, HPV is self limiting. The virus can be dormant
for years and appear/reappear at any time. The body's natural immune system
normally will get rid of the virus.
Why is HPV on the rise?
Changes in sexual
activity are the driver in the increase of HIV, HPV, and other STD's. People
are experimenting with sex at very early ages. Oral sex has become very popular
as one way to prevent pregnancy. This is leading to a drastic rise in oral HPV
infections.
Why are we concerned
about oral HPV?
The 2 strains of HPV
that lead to cancer are causing a rapid increase in oral cancer among the younger
adult population. This group was low risk for oral cancer in the past and now
is the fastest growing group. Oral cancer has a low survival rate when detected
late.
What can be done HPV?
Parents, this means your
children are at risk as well as you. Since deep kissing is all that is needed
to pass this virus, children who are not sexually active can still develop oral
HPV and oral cancer.
- Changing social behavior though not easy is the best method of eliminating this epidemic.
- Consider getting vaccinated against the most common and deadly forms of HPV at an early age.
- Get yourself and your children tested for HPV.
- Make sure your gynecologist and dentist are doing regular cancer screenings.
What does the dentist
do?
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| a visual and digital oral cancer screening is a good start |
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| Vizilite for advanced oral cancer screening |
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| oral CDX swabbing a suspected area |
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| Velscope advanced oral cancer detection |
There are 4 ways that a
dentist can screen for oral cancer.
- A visual and digital exam (look and feel)
- A Vizilite exam using a dye and special light
- Oral CDX swab for cancer cells of a suspicious area
- Velscope exam ( a special light and filter)
Is something is unusual, the dentist
may want to check it again in 2 weeks to see if it has cleared up and or refer
for a biopsy.
What We Recommend.
If your dentist's office
is not doing at least a visual/ digital screening for oral cancer at every
checkup, find a new dentist. We use the Velscope
VX and strongly recommend an advanced oral tissue scan on everyone age 14 and
up every 6 months.
References for HPV vaccine.
Dr. Neal answers all of your questions about HPV and advanced oral cancer detection at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.drneal.com
Phillip C. Neal DDS
Crystal Lake Dental Associates
280 B Memorial Court
Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014
www.DrNeal.com
Your comments are welcome
