Pap-test e HPV test

****** NOTE ON COMMENTS: Since we cannot constantly monitor user comments and ensure a response to each and every one, we have chosen to disable comments. In fact, from experience, unmoderated comments often become a means of spreading false information and messages for commercial purposes. We do not want our videos to lend themselves to this purpose. For criticisms, compliments, questions, and comments, you can still post in our forum http://community.my-personaltrainer.it/ or search for information in the dedicated articles on the website www.my-personaltrainer.it ****** In the previous video, we began to learn about the human papillomavirus, also known as HPV. We saw how it is responsible for benign genital warts and condylomas, but also for lesions that can develop into various forms of cancer. In particular, we highlighted how genital papillomavirus infection is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV infections are extremely common and are transmitted primarily through sexual activity, but can also occur through intimate skin-to-skin contact. When the immune system fails to overcome the infection, this disease slowly progresses to the formation of precancerous lesions, called dysplasia. Fortunately, if detected early, these lesions can be effectively treated and resolved before they progress to cancer. There are therefore two most effective weapons against HPV: the new preventive vaccination, and the traditional Pap smear, which allows for the early identification of precancerous changes, which we will discuss today. In the previous video, we also saw that there are more than 100 different types of HPV. Of these viruses, approximately 15 genotypes are considered "high-risk" oncogenes, meaning they are strongly associated with cervical cancer. Specifically, HPV 16 and HPV 18 are considered the most dangerous viruses, which alone are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases. It's important to remember that it takes many years for lesions caused by HPV to develop into cancer. Furthermore, both infections and precancerous lesions are often asymptomatic, so women are unaware of their presence. For all these reasons, it's important for women to stay ahead of the curve by regularly undergoing specific screening tests that can detect any lesions. These include the Pap test, or Papanikolaou test, named after the Greek-American doctor who invented it. Screening tests not only allow early identification of tissue abnormalities, but also offer the opportunity to treat and resolve them appropriately before they progress. The Pap test is the standard screening test for cervical cancer. Its introduction has significantly contributed to reducing mortality associated with this type of cancer, which is currently very low in industrialized countries but still extremely high in developing countries, where cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women. For this reason, Pap tests should be performed regularly on all women (even asymptomatic ones), starting at age 25 and repeated every three years. Unless otherwise medically indicated, undergoing a Pap test once a year is now considered not only unnecessary but even harmful, as it increases the risk of unnecessary treatments. The ideal frequency for repeating the test is therefore once every three years. Performing a Pap test is relatively simple, painless, and traumatic. The doctor inserts a small retractor, called a speculum, into the vagina to facilitate sampling. Then, using a special spatula and a swab, the doctor delicately collects a few cells from the most superficial layers of the cervix and cervical canal. The collected cells are then smeared onto a slide, coated with reagent, and sent to the laboratory. Microscopic analysis of the sample allows us to identify any cells with precancerous or cancerous characteristics and, based on their degree of atypicality, estimate the level of tissue damage. Before undergoing the test, it is necessary to discontinue any treatment with vaginal suppositories or tablets for at least two days prior. Continue at: http://www.my-personaltrainer.it/Tv/D...