"More than 170 surgeries by HPV virus. A disease that is still not talked about enough

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most commonly transmitted viruses in the world. More than 200 of its types are known, of which more than a dozen are oncogenic, which can lead to cancer. It is mainly associated with cervical cancer, but increasingly doctors are emphasizing that HPV is also a significant risk factor for head and neck cancers and conditions such as recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

- The HPV virus is responsible not only for cervical cancer, but also for cancers in the head and neck. It can also cause a disease we call recurrent respiratory papillomatosis," explains Joanna Jackowska, MD, an otorhinolaryngology specialist, Heliodor Święcicki Clinical Hospital in Poznań. - These are patients who come because of hoarseness, breathing disorders, sometimes children and sometimes young adults. Within the larynx, trachea or bronchi, they begin to grow wart-like lesions - white, clustered growths that can impair the function of the vocal folds or cause breathing disorders.

The disease that keeps coming back

Recurrent papillomatosis is a chronic and incurable disease. Treatment consists of removing the lesions, usually using a laser. - After the operation, the patient is happy with the improvement, the voice returns. But after a few months the hoarseness returns - the lesions grow back and have to be removed again," describes Joanna Jackowska, MD.

Some patients have had dozens of surgeries. - One of my patients has already undergone 172 surgeries in her lifetime. She is 45 years old. This shows how difficult it is to live with this disease," says the specialist.

In some patients, periods of remission last a few months, in others even a few years. It also happens that after a long break, the disease returns unexpectedly - even after decades.

HPV-related head and neck cancers

HPV can also lead to cancers in the throat, base of the tongue, tonsils and larynx. Patients often end up at the ENT because of seemingly trivial symptoms - a feeling of obstruction in the throat, an enlarged tonsil, a lump in the neck or hoarseness that doesn't go away. - They are usually young or middle-aged people who don't smoke, don't drink alcohol, and don't have typical risk factors. That's why they are surprised when they hear that their disease may be related to HPV," says Joanna Jackowska, MD.

Unlike cervical cancer, head and neck cancers are more likely to develop in men. - This is why it is so important to vaccinate not only girls, but also boys. Only then does vaccination make sense and realistically reduce the spread of the virus," the expert stresses.

Democratic and insidious virus

HPV infection is common - most people will encounter it at least once in their lives. In many cases, the infection is asymptomatic and resolves on its own, but in some, the virus can persist in the body for years, leading to precancerous or cancerous changes.

- Patients often ask: where did it come from, how did I get infected when I have one partner? It is important to remember that the virus can remain dormant for years and only reveal itself after time. That's why prevention is so important," explains Joanna Jackowska, MD, PhD.

Vaccination is protection against disease

HPV vaccines are effective and safe - they protect against infection with the types of the virus that most often lead to cancer or papillomatosis. In Poland, vaccination for teenagers is free.

- There is no better way than vaccination to protect yourself, your family, your daughter and your son from a disease that can destroy quality of life or lead to cancer. Vaccines are excellent and complications are minimal," concludes Joanna Jackowska, MD.