Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in men after lung cancer. Its occurrence has increased, especially with the rise of screening programs. When detected early while still confined to the prostate, it can be successfully treated with high success rates.
Although certain risk factors for prostate cancer have been identified, it is still unclear what triggers cancer development in the prostate tissue. Some hypotheses suggest that chronic inflammation may lead to cellular changes that cause cancerous growths in the prostate. Supporting this hypothesis, studies have shown that prostate cancer is more common in individuals with chronic urethritis or HPV infections.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a viral disease that causes warts on the skin and mucous membranes. This disease, mostly transmitted through sexual contact, commonly causes warts in the genital area (such as the penis, testicles, and groin in men). However, sexual intercourse is not required for transmission; the virus can also spread through skin or mucous membrane contact.
HPV infections are the most common sexually transmitted infections among young people. The importance of this frequent infection lies in the fact that some types of HPV are oncogenic, meaning they can lead to cancer. HPV is linked to cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in women; penile cancer in men; and anal and head-neck cancers in both genders. Chronic HPV infections can escape the immune system over time and cause cancer.
The relationship between prostate cancer and HPV has been studied by many researchers since the 1980s. Studies have investigated the presence of HPV in the prostate tissue of individuals with prostate cancer, but the results have been conflicting. These inconsistencies may arise from differences in the laboratory techniques used to detect HPV.
Recent studies have shown that oncogenic HPV types, which have cancer-causing effects, are found more frequently in the prostate tissues of individuals with prostate cancer. These HPV types are believed to activate oncogenes present in the body, leading to cancer development.
In conclusion, high-risk HPV infections with cancer-causing effects are linked to prostate cancer development. Men with HPV-related genital warts are advised to visit a urology specialist for regular check-ups after their 40s to enable early detection and treatment of prostate cancer.
References:
– European Association of Urology, Guidelines, Prostate Cancer Section
– Medeiros R, Horta B, Freitas-Silva J, Silva J, Dias F, Sousa E, Pinto M, Cerqueira F. “Effect of 1-Carbaldehyde-3,4-dimethoxyxanthone on Prostate and HPV-18 Positive Cervical Cancer Cell Lines and on Human THP-1 Macrophages.” Molecules. 2021 Jun 18;26(12):3721. doi: 10.3390/molecules26123721.
– Lawson JS, Glenn WK. “Multiple pathogens and prostate cancer.” Infect Agent Cancer. 2022 May 30;17(1):23. doi: 10.1186/s13027-022-00427-1.