Low Risk HPV

Generally, the infection with a low risk HPV strains does not cause very serious problems. HPV (human papilloma virus) has an ability to trigger cellular abnormalities in the epithelial layers. Researches have determined about one hundred strains of this virus. It has been shown that some strains, called high risk HPV strains, are linked with malignant cervical tumors. Other strains that are associated with benign epithelial tumors, such as flat, plantar, common and genital warts, are classified as low risk HPV strains.

Warts are skin growths with variable shape and size and they may appear anywhere on the body. These growths are often the cause of psychological discomfort for many people. This condition is induced by low risk HPV strains and does not degenerate into malignancy, as a rule. However, when both low risk and high risk strains of the virus are present, the chances to develop cervical cancer are much higher than in case of an infection by only high risk strains. If HPV is detected on the cervix, it is very useful to determine what strains of the virus are present since it enables health care providers to better evaluate the risk of cervical cancer.

Warts usually develop when the immune system of the HPV-positive person is weakened. HPV virus is able to evade the immune control and remain in the organism during a long period of time. In case immune defense is suppressed for some reasons, low risk HPV strains become more active and induce the development of warts. It is also possible that warts will go away on their own since the infected person’s organism may build specific immunity against the present HPV strain.

Low risk HPV associated growths may be treated by different methods, including drugs and surgical procedures. Warts may be removed by laser, freezing or electrosurgical excision; sometimes a surgical knife is used. Pharmacotherapy for HPV infection may be used to reinforce immune response against the virus or to destroy cells affected by the virus.

It may take a long time to treat human papilloma virus infection. HPV induced lesions may return since the virus may stay in the organism and cause new lesions. Nowadays there is no treatment able to kill the virus inside the cells. The virus can be eliminated only by a strong immune defense. Therefore, people infected by low risk HPV strains should reinforce their immune system and lead a healthy lifestyle.