The HPV (human papillomavirus) virus is an epitheliotropic virus, meaning it occurs only in the epithelial tissues of our body, such as the skin, the oral mucosa, the vagina, the anus, and so on. It is transmitted only when the affected area comes into contact with other epithelial tissues. There are more than a hundred types of the virus, and more than forty affect the anogenital region in women—that is, the cervix, vagina, vulva, and anus—while they rarely infect other epithelial tissues or anatomical areas. Approximately fifteen types have been classified as oncogenic and can potentially cause cancer, primarily in the cervix but also in other areas of the human body such as the anus, vulva, and oropharyngeal cavity, in both men and women. While it is present in almost everyone, very few people are aware of its existence in their bodies, and even fewer recognize it when it appears. The skin tags on our bodies, warts, and papillomas on our soles or palms are recognizable manifestations of the virus, yet people are unaware that they are related to HPV.
How is it transmitted?
The HPV virus is a virus that infects epithelial tissues, namely the skin and mucous membranes. This means that it is transmitted only from the affected area when it comes into direct contact with other skin or mucous membranes (such as those of the mouth, vagina, cervix, etc.). The most common route of transmission is sexual contact. Full penetration is not always necessary for transmission to occur. Even when using a condom, protection is not 100% effective, as the virus can be present on areas of the skin that are not covered.
Infection occurs when HPV finds tiny “openings” in the skin, such as a scratch or small cut, and enters the body through them. An important fact is that HPV can be transmitted even by people who have never shown any symptoms. That is why it is often difficult to pinpoint exactly when the infection occurred.