Synonyms: HPV, HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS
Related tests: FISH on cervical cells, Pap test
Clinical significance
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of cervical cancer, and also of most anal and throat cancers. Infection occurs almost exclusively through sexual contact, although there are other routes of transmission.
There are many types of HPV, some of which are called high-risk because they are typically involved in causing cancer; the test is therefore usually aimed at detecting high-risk HPV.
The virus enters cells and integrates its genes into those of the host in order to use all the cell functions needed for its replication. However, this integration can also cause changes in the DNA of the infected cell, both amplification and changes in the expression of some genes.
A very dangerous change caused by HPV is amplification of the telomerase gene, located at locus 26 on the long arm of chromosome 3 (3q26). Amplification of 3q26, i.e. the presence of more than the two copies normally present, leads to immortalisation of the infected cell and makes progression of the lesions towards cancer more likely. This change can be seen with the FISH technique (see cervical cells, 3q26 amplification test)
Clinical indications
Preventive screening for cervical cancer; diagnosis of suspicious lesions.
Sample type
Ecto- and endocervical cells; epithelial cells from brushings of suspicious lesions.
Preparation
Avoid sexual intercourse in the previous 24 hours. Unless your doctor or specialist specifically requests otherwise, it is advisable not to have the test while taking antibiotics or antivirals: allow at least one week after the end of treatment
For WOMEN: stop any treatment with pessaries or vaginal suppositories at least 48 hours before. Do not use internal vaginal douches in the previous 24 hours. Do not have the test during your period.
For MEN: the test is not carried out on men.