HPV Testing and Cervical Cancer Diagnostics in Wroclaw, Poland – Nowa Estetyka Medical Center
Testing for HPV allows for the detection of a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and identification of its genetic strain. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections.
There are over 100 HPV genotypes, with the most dangerous being HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for up to 70% of invasive cervical cancer cases. Identifying the type of virus causing the infection is crucial because only about 40 of these genotypes infect the mucous membranes in the genital area (in both women and men). Not all HPV types lead to cancer. Some strains, such as HPV 6 and 11, are low-risk and cause genital warts, which are not associated with cancerous changes (such as cervical cancer or throat cancer).
Routine HPV testing, along with screening tests (thin-layer cytology LBC), offers the chance for early detection of cellular abnormalities before they become invasive (malignant cervical cancer) and provides a 100% chance of cure.
If the HPV test result is positive, depending on the detected virus genotype, comprehensive preventive tests with increased frequency are recommended according to the doctor’s instructions.
When Does HPV Infection Occur?
In the case of oncogenic HPV types, infection occurs through sexual contact. The same mode of transmission applies to low-oncogenic types, but these are more easily contracted through contact with the carrier’s skin, for example, by sharing towels.
Cervical cancer is the result of a chronic HPV infection. From the time of infection to the malignancy of precancerous lesions, 10-15 years can pass, often without any symptoms. Fortunately, in most cases, the infection clears up spontaneously within 2-6 months.
Indications for HPV Testing
- abnormal results of a cytological test
- recurring inflammation of the reproductive tract
- verification of treatment for erosions and genital warts
It is also worth performing the test:
- in pregnant women and women planning pregnancy due to the risk of transmitting the infection to the fetus
- in individuals whose partner is a carrier
- before HPV vaccination
Cytology with HPV DNA Testing
An HPV test result can be falsely negative, meaning the infection is not detected despite its presence. Therefore, comprehensive tests (cytology and HPV test) increase the likelihood of detecting the virus, even if the HPV DNA test result is falsely negative.
Statistically speaking, among 1,000 tested individuals, 20 are infected with HPV – the HPV DNA test will detect the infection in 18 of them, while 2 cases will go undetected. This supports performing HPV tests along with cytology (cotesting), which reduces the margin of error and increases the likelihood of detecting changes in the remaining 2 infected individuals.
HPV DNA testing can be performed from a sample taken for thin-layer cytology during the same gynecological consultation. The sample for the HPV test can be taken at any phase of the cycle, except during days of bleeding.
