Treatment and Medication

Although there is no cure for cervical cancer, the squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) and warts caused by HPV can be treated. However, there is no cure for the virus itself. The treatments provided are directed to the changes in the skin or mucous membrane caused by HPV infection, such as warts and pre-cancerous changes in the cervix.

Salicylic acid preparations are very effective in directly dissolving the wart and have been time-tested for years. Often this acid creates a local inflammation in the area of the wart, creating the immune response against the HPV-infected area. Cryosurgery, laser treatment, loop electrosurgical excision procedure (the removal of tissue with a hot loop), and general surgery can be used to treat SILs as well as genital warts. Podophyllin, bichloroacetic acid, and trichloroacetic acid can be applied directly to warts to destroy them. Podofilox in liquid or gel form can be applied directly to warts. Imiquimod and fluorouracil creams can also be used to treat warts. Interferon alpha is sometimes used to treat recurring warts. Exogenous interferon therapy has proven to be effective for genital warts. Interferons have antiviral, antiproliferative, and immuno-modulating effects.