Genital warts can be eradicated

Genital warts can be eradicated Peter gott, M.D.

PETER GOTT

Reader asks Dr. Gott for information about HPV and its link to cervical cancer.

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Dear Dr. Gott: Please give me information about HPV (sexually transmitted warts) and their relation to cervical cancer. If a person is infected, does the virus remain in the body indefinitely?

Dear Reader: Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus. Ordinarily, the condition is spread by sexual intimacy and causes unattractive but painless warts in and on the genitals.

Unfortunately, HPV can cause cervical cancer. Therefore, a woman with such an infection must be aggressively treated either with surgery, cautery (burning), laser therapy or medications. The success of the treatment is usually monitored by Pap tests, biopsies and virus cultures.

It's vitally important for the sexual partner(s) of such a woman to be examined and treated as well, because HPV infection can be recurrent if she has treatment but her partners remain infected.

Moreover, genital warts may not be visible on the penis, even though HPV is present in the skin. Consequently, men at risk should be meticulously examined by a urologist, who can - with special testing - detect the slightest degree of infection.

Because HPV affects only the skin and cervix, it does not exist deep in the tissues and can, therefore, be eradicated by the methods I mentioned. But, I again emphasize, recurrence and/or progression is the rule unless all infected partners are also treated.

Dear Dr. Gott: I am a 37-year-old woman in excellent heath. However, I experience occasional bouts of vertigo and nausea. Bright lights from reflections, such as snow, set off the reaction. These symptoms did not appear until I became a mother. Also, I'm a highly emotional person. Could my symptoms have a possible relation to my anxiety state or could they be caused by a photosensitive seizure disorder and/or some form of epilepsy? I'd appreciate your comments.

Dear Reader: I don't know the cause of your attacks of vertigo and nausea, nor can I explain why these symptoms began after your pregnancy.

Although you may be suffering from an annoying inner ear disturbance called "benign positional vertigo" (dizziness when your head is in certain positions), you could possibly have an unusual form of epilepsy that is triggered by a flickering lights or by bright light.

In my opinion, you should be examined by a neurologist who will review your case and order tests.

I do not believe that a highly emotional state would cause the symptoms you mentioned. Rather, I would search for a physical disorder. The neurologist can organize and assist you in this investigation.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Epilepsy: The Falling Sickness." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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