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Symptoms of HPV Photo Treatment

Persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV or genital warts) increases the risk of cervical cancer. Photodynamic therapy on the cervix can remove pre-cancerous, HPV-infected cells.

  1. Significance

    • More than 50 percent of sexually active adults are infected with HPV. Most current HPV treatments target only the warts, not the virus itself. Surgery or cryotherapy (freezing) on HPV-infected pre-cancerous cells can damage the cervix, but photodynamic therapy can eradicate the virus with minimal side effects.

    Treatment

    • Photodynamic treatment targets HPV-infected pre-cancerous cells. Infected cells accumulate the injected photosensitive agent. Laser stimulation of the photosensitive agent releases free radicals that trigger cell death while sparing nearby healthy cells.

    Side Effects

    • Side effects of photodynamic treatment include tenderness of the cervix during the procedure, vaginal discharge for one to two days and photosensitivity for two to three weeks following the procedure. Treatment does not damage or scar the cervix.

    Benefits

    • In the November 2008 issue of "Lasers in Surgery and Medicine", Dr. Philipp Soergel reported that photodynamic therapy induced remission of HPV for up to six months in 71 percent of patients.

    Warning

    • Photodynamic therapy can induce remission of HPV, but it can recur. Unless you practice safe sex, you can be re-infected with HPV. Women with a history of HPV must continue to have regular Pap smears to detect any pre-cancerous changes early.

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