Vulvar, vaginal, rectal and penile cancers have also been associated with the HPV virus, but are not as common as cervical cancer. Remember these procedures are only useful if the virus has resulted in a visible change. Absence of abnormal change does not mean that the virus is not present, but would usually indicate that the virus is not active. Cervical Pap smears are helpful in detecting HPV on the cervix. It is important to make the distinction between the presence of the virus and the presence of disease.
Many people appear to have the virus present, but show no evidence of disease.
HPV cells found on cervical Pap smear. Treatment Chemicals, freezing, laser, LEEP, and electrocautery, are the main treatments available to combat HPV infection. These treatments help remove actual warts and abnormal cells present, but unfortunately, because there is no medication available to eradicate the virus, it usually remains dormant in the cells. Periodic evaluation is a crucial part of your care. The goal is to detect and treat early pre-cancerous changes and decrease the spread of the virus.