Clinical update on the role of HPV and cervical cancer

Abstract

In the mid-1980s, a clear connection was made between infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. This association led to the generation of a large body of literature about the diagnosis, testing, treatment, transmission and, virological life span of HPV-related neoplasms and cancers. Because of advances in virology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, more is known about HPV and its effects on cervical neoplasms than ever before. Because deaths from cervical cancer, while less common in the United States and western Europe, account for 20% of cancer deaths in women worldwide (1), accurate knowledge of the disease and its prevention is critical for nurses working with patients both with preinvasive and invasive disease.

Viral sexually transmitted infections: current management strategies. REVIEW ARTICLE

“…There are no proven population control measures, treatment can take several weeks and frequent recurrences may cause frustration for both clinician and patient. The patient may also be concerned about the risks of transmission, coping with sexual relationships and the need for regular cytological review because of the established linkage of human papilloma virus to cervical cancer (3). In these circumstances, understanding the psycho‐social aspects of these diseases is a vital part of the management of patients, which should include providing both effective treatment and appropriate counselling.…”

Knowledge and attitudes about human papillomavirus, Pap smears, and cervical cancer among young women in Brazil: implications for health education and prevention

“…Several types of HPV infect the anogenital area and are spread through skin-to-skin contact that occurs during sex (5) . Types 16 and 18 are associated with 70% of the cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer cases (6)(7)(8)(9)(10) , whereas types 6 and 11 cause virtually all genital warts in both women and men (4,11) . Cervical cancer is second worldwide among malignancies for causing death among women (12,13) .…”

The Role of Human Papillomavirus in Screening for Cervical Cancer

“…Low-grade SIL and HPV infection are usually diagnosed in women in their late teens and early twenties; high-grade SIL in 25-35 year-olds; and invasive cervical cancer after the age of 35-40. On average, approximately 15% of HPV positive cases will progress to highgrade SIL or carcinoma in situ within 9 years (Daley, 1998).…”

“…(3) High-grade SIL, CIN 2 or 3, is considered the only true precursor to cervical cancer (Adam et al, 2000;Daley, 1998).…”

“…Early changes such as CIN 1 may be monitored for progression; these lesions often regress back to normal without treatment (Schiffman, & Brinton, 1995). As the primary prognostic indicator of cervical carcinoma, a CIN 2 or 3 diagnosis requires colposcopic evaluation, and if abnormal cells are visualized, biopsy (Daley, 1998).…”