May 13, 2022 – HPV infection and related diseases: current events and future perspectives

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection in both sexes and represents a risk factor for the development not only of cervical cancers, but also of other cancers in the genital area (vulva, vagina , penis) and extra-genital (oropharynx and anus).

Cervical cancer represents the fifth most frequent cancer among women, but its mortality has dropped significantly in recent decades thanks to the spread of organized screening (first with pap smears and more recently with HPV tests) and anti-HPV vaccination.

This course aims to emphasize the importance of cervical screening, the organization of which has been severely tested in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to highlight which strategies could increase adherence to prevention paths, including the early identification and treatment of pretumor cervical lesions.

In support of this need, the World Health Organization and the major national and international societies of Oncological Gynecology agree on the use of innovative tools to expand the screening audience.

Furthermore, nowadays, the multidisciplinary management of HPV-related pathologies is of increasing importance; therefore, a final session dedicated to male genital and extra-genital pathologies was scheduled during the course.