Human Papillomavirus, or HPV as it’s commonly referred to, is one of the most commonly occurring sexually transmitted infections (STI). It can spread through physical (oral, vaginal, or anal sex) as well as skin-to-skin contact. These infections are so common that most women and men are likely to become infected by them at some point in their lives.

In this blog, we’re going to talk about Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV-related cancers. But before that, let’s understand — what is cancer? The term ‘cancer’ refers to a large group of diseases that cause abnormal cells to divide in your body while destroying the normal body tissues. Cancers cause cells to multiply without control, invade nearby tissues, and can start growing anywhere in the human body.

Types Of HPV Infection — Low-risk And High-risk HPVs

While there are over 200 different types of HPV infections that can affect both men and women, not all are responsible for causing cancer. Sexually transmitted HPV infections are generally divided into two categories:

• Non-Oncogenic (Wart-Causing) Strains Of HPVs :

Low-risk HPV types such as HPV 6, 11, 42, 43, and 44 do not cause any types of cancer. However, they can cause warts on or around the genitals, anus, throat, or mouth. For eg: HPV-6 and HPV-11

• Oncogenic (Cancer-Causing) Strains Of HPVs :

There are 14 high-risk HPVs such as HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68. Out of these, HPV 16 and HPV 18 are responsible for causing most of the HPV-related cancers.

The different kinds of cancers caused by high-risk HPVs are discussed in the following section.

Cancers Caused By HPV Infection

Types Of HPV-Related Cancer

1. Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the most frequently occurring cancers in women that starts in the cells of the cervix (the lower region of the uterus). Sexually transmitted HPV Infection plays a major role in causing cervical cancer. According to the World Health Organisation, it is the fourth most common cancer experienced by women all around the world. Cervical cancer, in its early stage, often shows no signs or symptoms. However, when it advances, one may experience symptoms like vaginal bleeding after intercourse, pelvic pain, and bloody vaginal discharge. Nearly 50% of high-grade cervical cancers are caused by HPV types- 16 and 18.

Taking the HPV test helps in the early detection and treatment of HPV infections, thereby preventing the risk of developing cervical cancer. For a convenient and hassle-free experience, you can order LifeCell’s At-home Vaginal Swab Collection Kit to find out if you’re infected with HPV.

2. Anal Cancer

Anal Cancer is an uncommon type of HPV-related cancer that affects both men and women. It is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the anus. Studies reveal that HPV infection is responsible for causing over 90% of anal cancers. Also, research suggests that the mortality rate due to anal cancer is increasing every year. So, it is important to find and address its root cause early.

3. Oropharyngeal Cancer

The oropharynx is the middle part of the pharynx (throat), behind the mouth. Oropharyngeal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the oropharynx. It includes the tonsils, soft palate, side and back wall of the throat, and one-third of the tongue. Smoking can increase the risk of oropharyngeal cancer. Such cancers are usually caused by HPV.

4. Penile Cancer

Penile cancer refers to the disease when malignant (cancer) cells grow uncontrollably in the penis. Though it can start anywhere in your penis; however it usually starts on the head or foreskin. Swelling and irritation in the head of the penis, small, crusty bumps, rashes, and painless lumps are a few symptoms of penile cancer. If you experience any such symptoms, we suggest you consult a healthcare provider. Moreover, treatment is possible if early detection is done. This type of cancer gets harder to treat if it starts spreading to other parts of the body.

5. Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer refers to the disease when malignant (cancer) cells grow uncontrollably in the vagina. Pain and abnormal vaginal bleeding, a lump in the vagina, or pain while urinating are some of the symptoms to look out for. Around 70% of vaginal cancers are caused by HPV. Like penile cancer, this is also a rare HPV-related cancer. However, don’t wait for the symptoms to worsen, and seek immediate medical help in case of abnormal vaginal bleeding or pain.

6. Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer is one of the rare diseases in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the vulva (female’s external genitalia i.e. inner and outer lips of the vagina). Around 70% of vulvar cancers are caused by HPV infections. A lump or growth like a wart, pain, bleeding, and itching in the vulvar region are a few common signs of vulvar cancer.

Conclusion

We hope that by now you have a fair idea about the six HPV-related cancers. You must have also understood that HPV infections are relatively common and can affect any sexually active individual. Therefore, if you’ve been sexually active lately and are experiencing a few odd symptoms, get an HPV test done immediately.

One of the best options to screen HPV — is LifeCell’s HPV Test — Female kit, which helps detect 24 high-risk HPV strains (3 major — types 16,18, and 45, and 21 other high-risk strains). This kit discreetly screens the risks from the comfort of your home; all you need to do is order it online, collect the sample, and simply mail it to our certified lab. The HPV test is recommended by WHO as a first-line screening test in preventing cervical cancer and LifeCell uses the RT-PCR technology for the complete accuracy of the report.

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