human papilloma virus cervical cancer

Papillomaviruses are a diverse group of DNA-based viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes of humans and a variety of animals. Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer. More than 100 different human papillomavirus (HPV) types have been characterized. The main article papillomavirus covers the general biological features of human and animal papillomaviruses.

Introduction

Some HPV types cause benign skin warts, or papillomas, for which the virus family is named. HPVs associated with the development of common warts are transmitted environmentally or by casual skin-to-skin contact. - HPV: The Most.

A separate group of about 30 HPVs are typically transmitted through sexual contact. Genital HPV infection is very common, with estimates suggesting that up to 75% of women will become infected with one or more of the sexually-transmitted HPV types at some point during adulthood (Baseman 2005). Some sexually-transmitted HPVs, such as types 6 and 11, can cause genital warts. However, most HPV types that infect the genitals tend not to cause noticeable symptoms. Working to enhance awareness of cervical cancer prevention. Persistent infection with a subset of about a dozen so-called "high-risk" sexually-transmitted HPVs, including types 16 and 18, can lead to the development of cancer of the cervix. HPV infection is a necessary factor in the development of nearly all cases of cervical cancer (Walboomers 1999).

Cervical Pap smear testing is used to detect HPV-induced cellular abnormalities. This allows targeted surgical removal of pre-cancerous lesions prior the development of invasive cervical cancer. National HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention Resource Center. In the absence of Pap testing or treatment, about 1% of women with genital HPV infections will eventually go on to develop cervical cancer.