beneficial approach for our patients,” said Dr. Martingano.
He indicated that precancerous lesions in black women seem to take a significantly longer time to progress to a dangerous level. Conversely, Hispanic women who have low-grade lesions and test positive for HPV should probably be treated more aggressively as they worsen the fastest.
“In cases of abnormal cells and low-grade lesions, we have a lot more latitude to give their bodies time to fight the virus and recover on their own. We know different groups of people follow different trajectories in relation to disease progression,” said Dr. Martingano.
More than 42 percent of adults between the age of 18 and 59 are infected with HPV which is currently the most common sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. It is vital in knowing your status to prevent not only STD’s but cervical cancer as well. For more information on Pap smear tests and HPV, visit our Health Conditions section on BlackDoctor.org.
SOURCES:
JAOA.org, Cervical Lesions Change Fastest in Hispanic Women, Slowest in Black Women—For Better and Worse, Jan. 11, 2018
Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.