The HPV DNA test is used to check for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can lead to cervical cancer. It is performed on women after an abnormal Pap smear. Men can also contract HPV, but are not given the test. Treatment is available for cervical cancer, cell changes, and genital warts, and the HPV vaccine can prevent cervical cancer. Additional testing may be needed for a correct diagnosis. Women under 30 are generally not given the test as abnormal cervical cell changes can improve naturally.
The HPV DNA test is a test performed on women to check for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV). A doctor usually orders this HPV test after abnormal cells in the cervix appear on a Pap smear. An HPV DNA test is a form of DNA (genetic material) testing that can reveal the types of HPV that are considered high-risk and linked to cervical cancer. The medical community accepts this type of HPV DNA test as an additional step in cervical cancer screening.
HPV is a disease that men and women can contract through sexual contact. HPV can manifest itself in the body as a number of different high-risk types. Doctors will order an HPV DNA test for women after an abnormal Pap smear shows the presence of one of the high-risk types of HPV. HPV types 16 or 18 can carry the possibility of a risk of cervical cancer. Men are not given HPV DNA testing, although they are also likely to get a genital HPV infection.
Most people who have HPV show no signs of symptoms. When symptoms do occur, the most visible symptom is genital warts, but this does not require HPV DNA testing for detection. A physical exam usually reveals the presence of genital warts.
During the procedure for an HPV DNA test, which is similar to a Pap smear, a sample of cells is collected for analysis. Abnormal cervical cells may not indicate cancer, but rather the presence of a genital HPV infection. Currently, there is no treatment for an HPV infection, but there are treatments for cervical cancer, cervical cell changes, and genital warts. The HPV vaccine can prevent the onset of cervical cancer.
Additional testing may be needed if an HPV DNA test shows abnormal cells or if one of the high-risk types of HPV is present. Doctors may recommend a colposcopy, which uses a magnifying tool to examine abnormal cells on the cervix and vagina for a correct diagnosis. A cervical biopsy is another test that removes a tissue sample from the cervix. One of these tests can determine whether or not cervical cancer is present.
The presence of HPV does not automatically lead to an infection or cancer. In some women, the abnormal cervical cell changes will improve naturally without treatment. This is generally why women under the age of 30 are not given HPV DNA testing when abnormal cervical cells are found during a Pap smear.
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