HPV Linked to Cervical Cancer

Approximately 5.5 million new cases of sexually transmitted HPV occur in the U.S. each year, with at least 20 million people currently infected.

HPV (human papillomavirus) is the common wart virus. It is the cause of the various kinds of warts (genital warts, plantar warts, flat warts) as well as cervical dysplasia, vaginal dysplasia, and cervical cancer.

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections; however, very few women with HPV will go on to develop cervical cancer. More than 70 types of HPV have been identified, but only 23 of these infect the cervix, and of these, 13 key types are associated with cancer and considered "high risk." Infection with one of these types places a woman at increased risk for cervical cancer, but does not necessarily mean that she will get cancer. Women over 35 with persistent infection with one of the "high risk" HPV types are at most risk for developing cervical cancer. Younger women should not underestimate the importance of regular screening since the peak years for contracting HPV are in their early twenties.

It is impossible to determine how long someone has had an HPV infection. Women are "indirectly" tested for HPV by a Pap smear which shows "HPV characteristics" if the HPV has damaged some cells resulting in cervical dysplasia. If the cells are not damaged, the HPV goes undetected.

Other test methods (specific blood tests) may show that there has been HPV infection in the past, but they cannot determine if HPV is currently present. HPV is usually diagnosed because the cervical or vaginal cells obtained by Pap smear or biopsy have the "characteristic appearance of HPV-infected cells" under the microscope. HPV can lie dormant in humans for an unknown period of years. However, most individuals develop immunity, after which time they are no longer contagious.

HPV is contagious even when warts and dysplasia are not present. Some HPV types have a greater association than others with cervical dysplasia and cancer.

The majority of Americans are unaware of the link between certain types of HPV and cervical cancer: in one national survey, 70 percent of women were unable to name the cause of cervical cancer, and 76 percent had never heard of HPV. Because research linking genital HPV and cervical cancer is relatively new, there is considerable confusion among patients and medical professionals.

A new study shows a higher incidence of cervical cancer occurring in women with the HPV infection after they have been taking birth control pills for over 5 years.

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