The treatment for HPV genotype 52 positive will depend on the symptoms observed at the time of diagnosis.
It is important to remember that Human Papillomavirus has no cure, and being a viral infection, only the symptoms can be treated. However, in the case of strain 52, being high-risk, there are other clinical measures that must be taken.
For example, in the case of women, it is important to have medical check-ups such as the Pap smear, to know if there are cellular changes. And if changes are perceived, the doctor will guide on the best treatment.
What is HPV?
HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). It is believed to be one of the most common STIs today.
Due to the widespread transmission of HPV, it is estimated that people who have started their sexual life at some point will contract this virus.
The main means of transmission is through sexual interaction, skin-to-skin contact, or contact with mucosa containing the viral load.
Types of cutaneous HPV
HPV can cause common warts that appear on various parts of the skin. For example, lesions may appear on the hands or feet.
Likewise, this virus can cause the appearance of warts on the face or neck. Although it is not so common, it can also appear on the abdomen and in the folds of the thighs.
Types of mucosal or genital HPV
Although some strains of HPV affect epithelial cells, which create the most superficial layer of the skin, there are also some variants that affect cells present on mucosal surfaces.
This causes HPV to generate the appearance of warts in the anogenital region mainly. However, lesions can also appear on the mucous lining of the mouth or throat.
On the other hand, HPV on external genitals is often considered low risk and does not produce major symptoms. While HPV that causes internal lesions in genitals or anus is considered high risk because it produces precancerous lesions.
Importance of Human Papillomavirus Genotype
Today, it is important to know the genotype of HPV that each person carries. And this has to do with the fact that it is a virus that acts as a feared carcinogenic agent.
The prevalence of cervical cancer cases as a result of HPV has continued to grow in recent years. Likewise, this virus is related to penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancer.
High-risk genotypes
There are over 150 types of HPV, which are classified with a number. For example, there are about 12 genotypes considered high-risk.
Among the high-risk HPV types, we have HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, and 59. Scientific studies have allowed identifying how HPV accelerates the production of cancer in the body, especially in the female population.
This occurs in the case of cervical cancer. Initially, HPV maintains few copies of the infected cells.
But the problem arises from the fact that the virus begins to replicate the infected cells in an accelerated manner.
Early screening for Cervical Cancer
It is known that the main consequence of HPV 52 is the possibility of generating cancer. That is why people with the virus should undergo periodic studies, especially in the case of women with cytology or screening techniques.
But something you should know is that this is not an indication that with 100% probability there will be a carcinogenic process, there are cases where the virus is deactivated by itself and does not cause further complications.
Similarly, regular cytology combined with safe sexual practices helps prevent HPV reinfection and, at the same time, prevents cancer.
What happens if I have HPV 52?
HPV genotype 52 is considered high-risk. But what does this mean? It refers to the fact that it produces precancerous lesions, lesions that can develop into cancer in the future.
Having HPV 52 positive does not mean that a person has cancer, but it does increase this possibility in the future. This triggers a warning signal, where it is best to have personalized medical guidance.
How aggressive is HPV 52?
HPV 52 is one of the most dangerous HPV infections because it can produce internal lesions that can mutate into a carcinogenic lesion.
What happens is that these lesions, being in a region that is not easily perceived, often go unnoticed. Therefore, over the years, it can cause alterations in the tissue of the cervix in the case of women. It can also lead to oropharyngeal cancer or cancer in the anal region.
How is high-risk HPV eliminated?
In some cases (when there is a good immune system response), high-risk HPV is eliminated by itself after approximately two years.
But this only happens in cases where the person has immune defenses capable of facing viral threats such as the Human Papillomavirus.
If it does not correct itself, you must receive treatment that helps strengthen the immune system. Remember, there is no official clinical cure for HPV, treatments seek to reduce and disappear symptoms or decrease viral load.
So, what should be done with a positive HPV result?
Having active HPV genotype 52 may seem distressing due to its link to cancer.
But if you have received this diagnosis, the best thing you can do is stay calm and ask the doctor what preventive treatment you can follow to reduce the carcinogenic risk.
You will surely have to maintain more medical controls, but this will help you know about cellular alterations. And knowing this, the doctor may suggest measures so that the situation does not mutate into cancer.
Lastly… what should you do if you have HPV?
These were some tips to help you know how to deal with HPV. However, there is much more you need to do if you really want to get rid of HPV and warts forever.
What you need to do is GET RID OF THE ROOT of the problem.
For that reason, I recommend you to look into Dr. Kirkland's story and how he was able to cure HPV and get rid of warts for good.
I wish you great success in your recovery!
Sources:
- https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/i-have-hpv–now-what-.h13-1592991.html
- https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/190/1/46/2191851
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/human-papillomavirus-type-52
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9175636/
Medically reviewed by Dr. Amy Wilson. Dr. Amy Wilson, born in the United States, obtained her medical degree from Lincoln University School of Medicine. Specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, she’s dedicated 15 years to women’s health, becoming a distinguished gynecologist and serving in various U.S. medical institutions.