HPV and cervical cancer

99.7% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV [1]. Most women are infected with HPV at some point in their lives, but never know they have been infected. HPV is usually cleared (without treatment) by the body's immune system, like other viral infections such as a cold. However, a small percentage of women do not clear the infection and it can remain 'dormant' (inactive) or persistent in their bodies, sometimes for many years [2] [3]. We still do not understand why some women are able to clear the infection while in others the virus may lead to the development of abnormal cells and possibly cervical cancer.

Around 20 high-risk strains of HPV are responsible for 99.7% of all cervical cancers [1]. Within the high-risk group strains 16 and 18 are the most prevalent, causing 70% of cervical cancers [4]. HPV infection can cause changes to the cells of the cervix creating abnormalities. HPV attacks the basal cells of the cervix (these are specific cells found in skin that reproduce new skin cells). HPV affects the DNA in the cells meaning new cells that are produced will be abnormal [5]. These abnormalities can result in the production of damaged and disorganised cervical cells that cannot function correctly. Once these abnormalities become severe they can develop into cancer which is why cervical screening and HPV vaccination are important in helping to prevent cancer.

 

References

  1. Walboomers JMM et al. (1999) Human papillomavirus is a necessary cause of invasive cancer worldwide. Journal of Pathology, 189 (1), 12–19.
  2. Muñoz N et al. (2009) Persistence of HPV infection and risk of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in a cohort of Colombian women. British Journal of Cancer, 100, 1184–1190.
  3. Moscicki AB et al. (1998) The natural history of human papillomavirus infection as measured by repeat DNA testing in adolescent and young women. Journal of Pediatr, 132, 277-284.
  4. Bosch FX. et al. (2008) Epidemiology and natural history of human papillomavirus infections and type-specific implications in cervical neoplasia. Vaccine, 26 (10),  K1-16.
  5. Dunleavey R (2009) Cervical Cancer: a guide for nurses. Wiley-Blackwell, UK. pp. 9
     

 

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