HPV testing with cytology triage

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are responsible for more than 95% of cases of cervical cancer. There are approximately 100 types of HPV, 14 of which are designated as “high risk.” Of these types, 16 and 18 alone account for more than 70% of cases of cervical cancer. The HPV test measures all high-risk types and specifically indicates whether subtypes 16 and/or 18 are present.

An HPV screening test can be used in combination with cytology when the result is positive. A single swab of cells from the cervix enables the various analyses to be performed, saving patients from having to make several trips to the clinic. If the result is positive for HPV 16 or 18, a colposcopy is recommended in addition to cytology.

For women over the age of 25, HPV screening can be done every five years as a routine test, followed by cytology if necessary. Before the age of 25, the virus is very common and the vast majority of infections heal on their own. Moreover, cases of cervical cancer are extremely rare in women under this age.

It should be noted that only a small proportion of persistent infections with high-risk HPV will develop into precancerous lesions, and then into cancer.