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HPV Salivary Testing Services now provided

What is HPV?
HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus. There are over 170 different types of HPV. 15 of these types are called “high risk” because they have to potential of leading to cancer. HPV establishes infections in the skin and mucous membranes. Most of these infections will have no physical signs. However, some infections can be seen as small bumps called papillomas. Progression from having HPV with no physical signs, to developing physical signs can take ten years or more of living with the virus. All HPV types are believed to be capable of establishing long term latent infections in skin stem cells.

HPV and the link to Oral Cancer
HPV is the most frequently sexually transmitted disease in the world. More than 40 types are transmitted through sexual contact and have been linked to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, oropharynx, anus, and upper respiratory tract. HPV types 16 and 18 are known to cause 70% of cervical cancer cases. According to World Health Organization, 10% of the U.S. population has an active HPV infection. By age 50, more than 80% of American women will have contacted at least one strain of genital HPV. The American Social Health Association estimated 75-80% of sexually active Americans will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives.

Vaccines
Two vaccines are available through your doctor. Both require 3 injections over a 6 month period.

  • Gardasil vaccinates the patient from HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 for five years.
  • Cervarix vaccinates the patient from HPV types 16 and 18 for about seven years.

Prevention

  • Regular hand washing with soap and water is the best method of preventing the spread of germs and viruses.
  • Practice safe sex by using FDA approved barriers such as condoms, dental dams, etc.
  • Do not share personal health or hygiene items including cosmetics, eating utensils, water bottles, toothbrushes, etc.
  • See your dentist at least twice a year for oral exams.

Services We Provide

  • OraRisk saliva testing
  • Head and Neck exams
  • Soft tissue biopsy
  • Testing of previously biopsied tissue using PCR technology
  • Long-term follow up and education