Do HPV 16 and 18 easily cause cervical cancer?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Quach Nguyen Thu Thuy - Pediatric Center - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.

1. What is HPV virus?

HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus - a virus that causes warts and papillomas in humans. Not everyone infected with HPV will get cervical cancer, but on the contrary, More than 95% of cases of cervical cancer detected are caused by HPV virus, HPV virus is transmitted through contact, sexual intercourse. sex, from mother to child, and can persist in the human body for a long time before developing a disease. There are more than 100 types of HPV, more than 10 strains of HPV can lead to cancer, of which there are 2 special strains HPV 16,18 which are also 2 main types that cause cervical cancer and also cause other cancers. types of cancer such as: vulvar cancer (50%), vaginal cancer (65%). There is currently no specific treatment for this disease, so the only way to reduce the incidence of this disease is to get vaccinated.

2. How is HPV transmitted?

HPV is a virus that can be transmitted through sexual contact. During intercourse or oral sex. HPV can be spread to others even if an infected person has no signs or symptoms.
In addition, this virus can also be transmitted non-sexually such as nail clippers, biopsy staplers, underwear... HPV can also be transmitted vertically from mother to baby during childbirth and causes multiple papillomatosis of the respiratory tract in infants.
Using condoms can prevent transmission of many diseases, including HPV. However, it is not absolutely safe because the contact areas outside the condom can still be infected.
Do not get HPV from: toilet bowls, hugging or holding hands, eating or sharing dishes, swimming pool or bathtub with an infected person. HPV is also not inherited.

3. How many types of HPV are there? Which type is the main cause of cervical cancer?

There are about 100 types of HPV virus, of which about 40 are the cause of diseases in the human genital organs. 10 types are included in the list of viruses that cause many dangerous diseases in humans.
Two types of HPV 16 and 18 are considered the most dangerous virus because they can infect deep into a woman's uterus, then grow, change the uterine tissue and cause cervical cancer. This is also the type that causes many other diseases such as vaginal cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer,...

Two types of HPV 6 and 11 when infected 90% can cause warts (warts) on the genitals, especially in men, the disease develops, causing discomfort, shame and loss of self-confidence. .
However, HPV does not always cause the disease, usually most people infected with HPV will clear the infection on their own. The rest will progress more quickly to the disease when there are other factors acting at the same time such as having sex too early, having too many partners.

4. How to detect and prevent HPV?

Currently, there is no test that can detect HPV universally. Most cases of HPV infection are diagnosed through medical examination when there are signs of diseases such as genital warts, genital warts, cervical cancer...
Currently, there are 4 types of preventive vaccines. HPV that causes most diseases are HPV 16, HPV 18 (causes cervical cancer) and Hpv 6, 11 (causes genital warts). The vaccine is most effective in people who have never been infected with the HPV virus. Vaccination against HPV is effective even in people who have already been infected with the virus, helping to prevent re-infection.
Vaccines help prevent up to 99% of cervical precancerous lesions associated with 2 types of HPV 16 and 18 . Prevents 95% of cases of mild cervical dysplasia and precancerous lesions caused by 4 types of HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18. Vaccination will eliminate 99% of the risk of acne. toads and crests on the genitals.

Proactive prevention is still the most effective measure
In fact, in Vietnam, sex health education is still not widespread. Parents need to be more open and comfortable in discussing sex education for their children. At the same time take measures to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases to children.
Cervical cancer currently has no specific treatment, so there is only one way to reduce the incidence of HPV infection by vaccination. Gardasil was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for circulation in 2006, becoming the first vaccine that can help prevent cervical cancer. Gardasil protects the body against 4 strains of human papillomavirus 6, 11, 16 and 18.
Vinmec International General Hospital always uses a source of high quality vaccines, of clear origin, suitable for use. Appropriate age for vaccination, ensuring safety from check-in, storage to use.
Customers will be examined by specialist doctors, fully screened for physical and health problems, advised on preventive vaccines and injection regimens, how to monitor and take care of them before vaccination When ordering vaccination according to the latest recommendations of the Ministry of Health & the World Health Organization to ensure the best effectiveness and safest for customers. profession, understand psychology and apply effective pain relief during vaccination. 100% of vaccinated customers are monitored 30 minutes after injection and reassessed before leaving. Undertake medical supervision before, during and after vaccination at Vinmec Health System and always have an emergency team ready to coordinate with the vaccination department to handle cases of anaphylaxis, respiratory failure - circulatory arrest, ensuring Ensure timely and correct handling when incidents occur. Vaccines are imported and stored in a modern cold storage system, with a cold chain meeting GSP standards, keeping vaccines in the best conditions to ensure quality.

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