What is HPV?
HPV is a viral infection spread through sexual intercourse or skin-to-skin contact. There are dozens of strains of HPV. Some are harmless; others increase your risk of certain types of cancer.
Thanks to advances in DNA testing, it’s now possible to identify the various strains of HPV and determine if they’re low or high risk. After Dr. Sedghizadeh determines the type of HPV you have, he can develop a custom treatment plan that includes routine preventive screenings, dental cleanings, and healthy lifestyle changes.
What are the symptoms of HPV?
Symptoms of HPV include:
- Genital warts
- Plantar warts
- Common warts
- Flat warts
If you experience warts in and around your mouth, make an appointment at Oral Medicine & Pathology Center right away.
How does an HPV infection occur?
An HPV infection occurs when the virus enters your body through a cut or a small tear in your skin. The virus can also spread through bodily fluids exchanged during oral or vaginal sex.
Over time, the virus builds up in your body, causing warts to form. Warts are contagious and spread through direct contact, like touch.
How are HPV low and high risk diagnosed?
At Oral Medicine & Pathology Center, Dr. Sedghizadeh diagnoses HPV low and high risk with the OralRisk® HPV test from Oral DNA® Labs. The OralRisk HPV test can identify all 51 types of oral HPV.
Diagnosing oral HPV in its early stages is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of oral cancer. After making a diagnosis, Dr. Sedghizadeh develops a custom treatment plan that includes healthy lifestyle changes, routine checkups, and regular dental cleanings.
What does getting an OralRisk HPV test involve?
Getting an OralRisk HPV test takes less than five minutes. Dr. Sedghizadeh asks you to open your mouth and collects a sample of your saliva. Then, he sends it to Oral DNA Labs for analysis. Technicians at the lab identify the type (or types) of HPV you have and provide Oral Medicine & Pathology Center with the results.
Dr. Sedghizadeh uses your results to make recommendations for treatment.
If you want to get tested for HPV low and high risk, make an appointment at Oral Medicine & Pathology Center by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.