EnglishHPV test
As part of cancer screening, I offer all patients in my ENT practice in Vienna not only endoscopies but also an HPV rapid test and HPV swabs. Contact me if you have any further questions or would like to make an appointment.
Useful information about HPV (= human papillomavirus)
What is HPV?
The abbreviation HPV stands for the human papillomavirus. There are more than 120 different types of HPV and they are very common – about 80% of all sexually active people will contract them at least once in their lifetime. Nine out of 10 infected people do not know if they are infected with HPV. This is because the infection does not cause any symptoms. Infections usually heal on their own without being noticed, but in rare cases cancer can develop in the mouth and throat as well as in the anogenital area.
What is the difference between HPV infection and HPV cancer?
HPV is widespread and approximately 80% of all sexually active people will be exposed to the virus at least once in their lives. Infections usually heal on their own without being noticed, but in rare cases cancer can develop in the mouth and throat as well as in the anogenital area.
The viruses penetrate through small injuries to the lowest layers of mucous membranes. When the virus enters a skin cell, it is called an HPV infection.
A peculiarity of papillomaviruses is that the viruses initially behave “unobtrusively“, i.e. do not interfere with the life of the affected cell. This is called an infection.
When the virus begins to actively intervene in the life of the cell, changes occur that are known as precancerous lesions. The cells begin to multiply uncontrollably and if this is not recognized in time, tumors can develop.
How does HPV cause cancer?
The virus penetrates through small injuries to the lowest layers of mucous membranes. When the virus enters a skin cell, it is called an HPV infection.
A peculiarity of papillomaviruses is that the viruses initially behave “inconspicuously”, i.e. do not intervene in the life of the affected cell. This is called an infection.
When the virus begins to actively intervene in the life of the cell, changes occur that are known as precancerous lesions. The cells begin to multiply uncontrollably and if this is not recognized in time, tumors can develop.
Does HPV increase risk of oral or throat cancer?
Persistent infection with so-called high-risk HPV types, mostly HPV 16 and 18, increases the risk of mouth and throat cancer. However, this does not mean that everyone infected with these viruses will develop cancer. There is usually enough time to detect possible precancerous stages in the context of early detection and, if necessary, to remove them.
Who should have a rapid test? Are there any risk factors?
There are essentially three factors responsible for the development of HPV-related cancers. These are smoking, alcohol and infection with human papillomavirus type 16 (abbreviated: HPV16).
While you can assess your own risk from alcohol and smoking, you often don’t know if you have HPV. The mouth and throat offer numerous hidden areas that cannot easily be seen during your doctor’s routine examination. The first noticeable symptoms and suspicious changes usually only appear in the relatively late stages of cancer development.
While in the past it was primarily people over the age of 50 who were affected, the disease has been increasing in younger people for a number of years.
In principle, early detection is recommended for all apparently healthy patients, e.g. as part of routine skin cancer screening from the age of 35. The examination of high-risk patients who, due to their lifestyle or previous illnesses, are particularly likely to develop HPV-related tumors is very important, regardless of age.
Are there medications for HPV infection?
So far there are no approved drugs for treating HPV infection, but there are effective methods for early detection and treatment of HPV-related diseases.
What HPV tests do I offer?
In addition to endoscopies, I also offer the HPV rapid test “Prevo-Check” in my ENT practice in Vienna as part of cancer screening. The “Prevo-Check” is a new rapid test procedure for the early detection of oral cavity and throat cancer, which enables the doctor to detect special HPV antibodies in the blood within 15-20 minutes, which arise when human papilloma viruses are active intervened in cell control. The use of the test as part of preventive and early detection examinations is intended to prevent the development of advanced tumors. If a tumor is detected in a preliminary stage, relatively gentle therapy methods can usually be used with an excellent prognosis for your recovery.
The test is easy to carry out: A drop of blood is taken from the finger, earlobe or oral mucosa and then placed in a test tube. The result of the examination is available within 15-20 minutes and offers you security. If antibodies against HPV16 are detected in your case, an intensive examination of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa is necessary.
Certain groups of HPV viruses can cause cell changes and cancer in the mouth and throat. If there are changes in the mucosa, material can be obtained from these areas with a small brush. This HPV swab can be taken directly in my surgery and will then be sent to my partner laboratory for further examination.
How much does an HPV test cost?
ENT appointment with HPV rapid test
Anamnesis, review and discussion of previous findings, ENT status including endoscopy of the nose, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx and larynx, HPV blood test
ENT appointment with HPV rapid test and HPV smear
Anamnesis, review and discussion of previous findings, ENT status including endoscopy of the nose, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx and larynx, HPV blood test and HPV swab
HPV vaccination until your 21st birthday
Vaccination with Gardasil 9 as part of the “free child vaccination program”. Two partial vaccinations are necessary.
HPV vaccination from the 21st birthday
Vaccination with Gardasil 9 for adults. 3 partial vaccinations are necessary.
After the treatment you will receive a fee note. If you wish, I can support you in submitting the fee note to your health insurance company! Payment can currently be made in cash or by card (Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard or VISA).
