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- $Unique_ID{BRK00618}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Can One Develop Cancer From Sexually Transmitted Viruses?}
- $Subject{sex cancer cervix community social sexually transmitted diseases STD
- venereal disease vd virus neoplasm neoplasms cancers Genitourinary lifestyle
- lifestyles papilloma Condylomata Acuminata squamous condyloma acuminatum
- Genital warts vulva cryotherapy electrocauterization podophyllin
- trichloroacetic acid}
- $Volume{J-23, B-14}
- $Log{
- Sexually Transmitted Disease: Venereal Warts*0006403.scf
- Diseases of the Female Reproductive System*0009001.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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-
- Can One Develop Cancer From Sexually Transmitted Viruses?
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-
- QUESTION: I am aware of many types of sexually transmitted disease because of
- the many articles that now appear on this subject. My question goes a bit
- further, for I am concerned with the possibility that one can develop cancer
- from viruses which may be transmitted in this way. Is there any way in which
- this can happen?
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- ANSWER: Unfortunately, the answer to this question is "yes". A papilloma
- virus may cause a condition known as Condylomata Acuminata which has been
- linked to squamous cell cancer of the cervix in many studies. Genital warts
- appear as a growth commonly found on the vulva, under the foreskin or on the
- skin of the anal region initially as soft pink or red swellings that rapidly
- multiply and take on a cauliflower like appearance. The condylomata virus is
- infectious and is transmitted sexually. There is an incubation period of from
- 1 to 6 months between infection and the appearance of the lesions.
- Squamous cell cancer of the cervix is never found in virgins, and is
- extremely rare in monogamous relationships. Women who are found to carry the
- virus are estimated to have a 1,200 to 2,000 times greater risk of cervical
- cancer than women who have never been infected by the virus. There is no
- treatment which is totally satisfactory, but the warts can be removed by
- application of extreme cold (cryotherapy), electrocauterization, or the
- application of podophyllin or trichloroacetic acid. Any woman diagnosed as
- carrying the virus should have regular Pap smears and be carefully monitored
- for the possibility of cervical cancer.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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-