Invisible and widespread: HPV

Worldwide, around 350,000 women die of cervical cancer every year: in Austria, around 200 women are affected each year. The most common cause is human papillomavirus, particularly the highrisk types 16 and 18, which are transmitted almost exclusively through sexual contact. Infection goes unnoticed – with preventive care and vaccination, the risk of cancer can be significantly reduced and eliminated in the long term.

Between 85 and 90% of people become infected with HPV during their lifetime – transmission usually goes unnoticed. Symptoms such as itching or mild irritation in the genital area occur only rarely, and in 8 out of 10 cases, the body‘s own immune system eliminates the virus on its own.

However, once inside the body, it can alter the genetic material of the cells, especially in cases of weakened immune systems, high stress levels, nicotine consumption, or unhealthy diets. While low-risk HPV mainly causes genital warts in the genital area, the anus, and the mouth and throat, high-risk HPV can also lead to precancerous lesions and ultimately to carcinomas in the cervix, vagina, labia, and anus.

“Thanks to comprehensive screening with PAP smears and HPV vaccination, the incidence of cervical cancer has been reduced by 50 percent in the last 30 years,” says gynecologist Prof. Brigitte Schurz: “The annual PAP smear doesn‘t take long. But if mild to moderate cell changes are detected, HPV typing is performed automatically. In the case of severe cell changes, a biopsy of the cervix is necessary for further clarification. This can be performed almost painlessly under local anesthetic at WPK.”

“Currently, the HPV vaccination rate among 9- to 30-year-olds in Austria is 37%.”

Men can also develop HPV-related diseases

Dr. Alexis Freitas, specialist in surgery and European specialist in coloproctology, regularly sees patients with genital warts (condylomas) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The first signs may be small, skin-colored to reddish nodules or wart-like changes around the anus. Often, the warts do not cause any symptoms at first – but some affected individuals report itching, a feeling of pressure, or minor bleeding during bowel movements. If abnormalities are found or if a doctor suspects HPV infection, a specialist in proctology should be consulted. “Many people hesitate out of shame. However, early clarification is important in order to prevent the spread and consequential diseases – especially if partners already have genital warts,” says the expert. An examination by a proctologist is uncomplicated and far less unpleasant than some people fear: After a detailed discussion about symptoms and possible risk factors, the skin around the anus is inspected and a gentle examination of the anal canal and rectum (proctoscopy) is performed. This allows even deeper changes to be detected and, if necessary, smears or small tissue samples to be taken.

Treatment of HPV

Wiener Privatklinik offers all diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for HPV: For mild cell changes: local treatment with antiviral creams, gels, or suppositories under close follow-up For severe cell changes: minor surgical procedures using laser, electrocautery, or scalpel It is also important to check partners for HPV.

Effective prevention: The HPV vaccination

The HPV vaccination (Gardasil 9) is recommended for young people aged 9 and above, as well as women and men up to the age of 30, and is free of charge up to this age. It is also possible to be vaccinated later in life, in order to protect yourself and avoid reinfection.