What is the link between HPV infection and cervical cancer?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have been reading about cervical cancer and its connection to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Can you explain how HPV infection leads to cervical cancer?
How effective is cervical screening in detecting early signs of cervical cancer?
What role do urine tests play in the detection of HPV or cervical abnormalities?
Are there any particular strains of papillomaviruses that are more likely to cause cervical cancer?
What preventive measures, such as vaccines, are available to protect against HPV and reduce the risk of cervical cancer?

Please guide.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

HPV (human papillomavirus) infection causes alterations in cellular structures and leads to cervical cancer. A urine test does not detect an HPV infection.

There is a test called a Pap smear (a method of cervical screening used to check for cervical cancer), which should be done at 21 years of age or after a female gets sexually active. It detects premalignant conditions (a generalized state associated with a significantly increased risk of cancer). If the test is negative, you should do it every five years till the age of 60.

Hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.