Genital Warts and HPV Infection Treatment

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and has significant effects on women’s health from both an aesthetic and oncological perspective. In HPV management and genital wart treatment, Prof. Dr. Selçuk Erkılınç aims not only to clear existing lesions but also to implement a comprehensive protection and follow-up protocol against the virus’s potential to cause cancer.

What is HPV Infection and How is it Transmitted?

HPV is a virus family with more than 200 subtypes. These types are divided into two main groups based on the level of risk they pose:

• Low-Risk Types (e.g., Types 6 and 11): They generally cause genital warts (condyloma), but their risk of causing cancer is very low.

• High-Risk Types (e.g., Types 16, 18, 31, 45): They are directly associated with cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. They usually do not cause warts, which is why they can only be detected through screening tests.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Genital Warts (Condyloma)

Genital warts appear on the external genital area, vaginal entrance, or around the anus as flesh-colored, pinkish, or brown bumps, sometimes forming cauliflower-like clusters.

• Physical Examination: In most cases, a visual examination conducted by a specialist eye is sufficient for a diagnosis.

• HPV DNA Test and Typing: Whether warts are present or not, this test is performed to identify which specific type of the virus is in the body. This is critical for managing cancer risk.

• Colposcopy: If a high-risk HPV type is detected, a microscopic examination is carried out to check for potential cellular changes in the cervix.

Wart Treatment Methods with Prof. Dr. Selçuk Erkılınç

The treatment of genital warts is determined based on the prevalence of the lesions and the patient’s preference. Dr. Erkılınç utilizes the following methods, which minimize the risk of recurrence:

1. Cryotherapy (Freezing Treatment)

This is the process of freezing the warts using liquid nitrogen. It is a practical method and usually does not require anesthesia.

2. Cauterization (Burning Treatment)

This involves the destruction of the wart tissue by burning it with an electrocautery device. It is a highly effective method for widespread and large warts.

3. Laser Treatment

Particularly for very widespread warts or those resistant to other treatments, it ensures the removal of the lesion while causing minimal damage to the surrounding tissue.

4. Surgical Excision

This is the procedure used to surgically remove very large and mass-forming warts.

Preventive Approach and Vaccination in HPV Management

Treating the warts does not mean the virus has been completely eliminated from the body. Therefore, the post-treatment follow-up process is of vital importance.

1. Supporting the Immune System

The clearance of the virus from the body depends heavily on the immune system. Dr. Erkılınç provides his patients with lifestyle recommendations to support their immune health.

2. HPV Vaccine (Gardasil 9)

The HPV vaccine is recommended not only for prevention but also for individuals who have already had the infection, in order to provide protection against different strains and reduce recurrences. This vaccine, which can be administered to women and men between the ages of 9 and 45, is the strongest component of the cancer prevention strategy.

3. Regular Smear and Follow-up

For individuals with HPV positivity, the frequency and tracking of Smear tests are scheduled on a personalized timeline by Prof. Dr. Selçuk Erkılınç to protect cervical health.