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HPV in more severe forms may favor cervical cancer

HPV in more severe forms may favor cervical cancer

With approximately 530,000 new cases per year worldwide, cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer among women, and is responsible for the cancer of the uterus. death of 275,000 women per year. In Brazil, in 2013, 18,000 new cases are expected, with an estimated risk of 17 cases per 100,000 women.

Cervical cancer is rare in women under the age of 30 and the number of cases progressively increased , until its peak in the range of 45 to 50 years. This tumor is characterized by the disordered growth of cells in the tissue of the cervix, which can invade nearby or distant structures and organs. There are two main types of cervical cancer: epidermoid carcinoma, the most common type, which accounts for about 80% of cases, and adenocarcinoma, the rarest type.

The main change that can lead to this type of cancer is human papillomavirus infection, HPV, with some subtypes of high risk and indicated as the cause of malignant tumors. The viruses are HPV16 and 18, responsible for about 70% of cases of cervical cancer.

HPV infection is very common. It is estimated that about 80% of sexually active women will acquire it over the course of their lives. It is important to remember, however, that HPV infection is a necessary but not unique factor in the development of uterine cancer.

In addition to HPV infection, other factors linked to immunity, genetics, and sexual behavior appear to influence in the development of cancer. Thus, smoking, early sexual initiation, multiplicity of sexual partners, multiparity and the use of oral contraceptives are considered risk factors for the development of cervical cancer.

Prevention of cervical cancer uterus is related to decreased risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) transmission

HPV virus transmission occurs mainly through direct contact, ie through contact of the skin or mucosa with infected tissue including direct genital contact and skin contact -skin. Most often HPV cervical infection is transient and regresses spontaneously, six months to two years after exposure to the virus. In cases in which the infection persists, the development of precancerous lesions may occur, whose identification and appropriate treatment will make it possible to prevent cancer.

Cervical cancer takes many years to develop. It is a slow-developing disease that can progress without early-onset symptoms and progress to intermittent or postpartum vaginal bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge, and abdominal pain associated with urinary or bowel complaints in more advanced cases. Cancer cell changes are easily discovered in the preventive examination (also known as Papanicolaou), so it is important to perform periodically. Other ways to detect cervical cancer are:

Gynecological examination

  • Oncology cytology: is the main method of cancer screening, in which cancer cells are investigated.
  • Colposcopy and directed biopsy: they are key steps , the first being to limit the extent of the disease in the cervix and the vagina and the second to confirm the diagnosis. Prevention of cervical cancer is related to a decreased risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) ). The transmission of HPV infection occurs sexually. Consequently, the use of condoms during sexual intercourse partially protects against HPV infection, which can also occur through contact with the skin of the vulva, perineal region, perianal region, and scrotal pouch. The natural immunity (defense that the body creates after exposure to the virus) is not very effective, allowing reinfection with the same type of virus at other times of life.Currently, there are two vaccines approved and commercially available in Brazil that protect against subtypes 16 and 18 of HPV. Both are effective against precursor cancer lesions, especially if used before contact with the virus.
  • The adoption of anti-HPV vaccines does not replace screening by the preventive examination (Papanicolaou) because they do not provide protection for 30% of the cases of cancer of the cervix caused by other HPV subtypes. Reducing the incidence of cervical cancer depends on a public education aimed at reducing the exposure of the virus, combined with an effective vaccination policy.

* Written text with co-author on the oncologist Emerson Neves dos Santos


Consumer News - passive smoking and periodontal disease

Consumer News - passive smoking and periodontal disease

It has been clear for years that smokers have a higher risk of periodontal disease, but research now shows that secondhand smoke may also increase this risk. Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill using data from another study that included 2,379 nonsmokers aged 53-74 years, concluded that exposure to secondhand smoke for a few hours a day can double the risk of a person having periodontal disease.

(Health)

Exercise and computer can stimulate the brain of the elderly

Exercise and computer can stimulate the brain of the elderly

Concluded that combining physical activity with computer use can help reduce the risk of age-related cognitive impairment . The experiment was conducted by researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, who analyzed more than 920 people aged 70-93 years. Participants completed questionnaires on computer use and physical activity compared to the previous year .

(Health)