HPV Type 31 After Wart Laser Surgery: Risks and Treatment Options

May I ask the doctor?

If a physician has undergone laser surgery for warts and currently shows no symptoms, but HPV DNA type 31 is still detected, this could be due to the persistence of the virus in the body despite the absence of visible lesions.
HPV can remain dormant in the skin or mucosal tissues, and it is possible for the virus to be present without causing any symptoms.
As for transmissibility, even in the absence of visible signs, HPV can still be contagious.
The risk of transmission may be lower when there are no active lesions, but it is not eliminated entirely.
Regarding treatment, there is currently no cure for HPV itself, but there are options to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.
Regular monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare provider are recommended.
Vaccination against HPV can also help prevent infection with certain types of the virus.
It is important to discuss individual circumstances and treatment options with a healthcare professional.

Wu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/09/04

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, I am unsure about the accuracy of HPV DNA testing.
However, if there are no lesions, it should be sufficient to observe and monitor the situation.
After three months, if no new lesions appear, it can generally be considered healed.
If there are any unclear points, please feel free to ask again, and we can further discuss and research the matter together.

Sincerely,
Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai
Department of Urology
Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2009/09/04

More Info

After undergoing laser surgery for genital warts, it is not uncommon for HPV (Human Papillomavirus) DNA to still be detected in the body, even when there are no visible symptoms or lesions. In your case, the presence of HPV type 31, which is classified as a high-risk strain, raises some important considerations regarding transmission, potential health implications, and treatment options.

Understanding HPV Persistence
1. HPV Persistence: HPV is known for its ability to persist in the body, even after the visible manifestations (such as warts) have been treated. The virus can remain dormant in the epithelial cells of the cervix or other areas, which means that while the lesions may have been removed, the virus itself can still be present in a non-active state. This is why HPV DNA can still be detected in tests.

2. Transmission Risk: Even if there are no visible symptoms, HPV can still be transmissible. The virus can be shed from the skin or mucous membranes, which means that sexual partners can still be at risk of contracting the virus. It is important to practice safe sex, including the use of condoms, to reduce the risk of transmission, although condoms do not provide complete protection against HPV.

Treatment Options
1. Monitoring: In many cases, if there are no active lesions and the HPV type is not causing any immediate health issues, doctors may recommend a watchful waiting approach. Regular follow-ups and monitoring are essential to ensure that no new lesions develop and to assess the status of the HPV infection.

2. Follow-Up Testing: It is advisable to have follow-up HPV testing and Pap smears as recommended by your healthcare provider. This is particularly important for high-risk HPV types, as they can lead to cervical dysplasia or cancer over time.

3. Potential Treatments: If new lesions do appear or if there are concerns about the persistence of high-risk HPV, various treatment options can be considered. These may include:
- Topical Treatments: Medications like imiquimod or podophyllin can be used to treat warts if they reappear.

- Surgical Options: If lesions recur, further surgical interventions may be necessary, such as excision or cryotherapy.

- Vaccination: While the HPV vaccine is most effective when given before the onset of sexual activity, it can still provide benefits for individuals who are already infected with certain types of HPV. It may help protect against other strains of the virus that you have not yet contracted.

Conclusion
In summary, the detection of HPV type 31 after laser surgery for warts indicates that while the visible symptoms have been treated, the virus can remain in the body. It is crucial to maintain regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor the situation. Practicing safe sex is essential to prevent transmission. If new symptoms arise or if there are concerns about the persistence of the virus, further treatment options can be explored. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment plans tailored to your specific situation.

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