Why an HPV test and what does the result mean?
Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by long-term carriage of high-risk HPV, so a negative HPV test reliably eliminates the risk for the next 5 years - more accurately than cytology. A positive result does not mean illness: for most, the virus disappears within 1–2 years; but requires cytology and colposcopy, and if 16/18 types are identified, colposcopy immediately. The test is also advisable up to 30 years of age in case of atypia in the Pap test, before planning pregnancy, after treatment of dysplasia (control of cure). Performed outside of menstruation, without sexual intercourse and suppositories for 2 days.
Cervical cancer screening
Cervical cancer develops over years from precancerous changes (CIN 1-3 dysplasia) caused by high-risk human papillomavirus and is completely preventable with regular screening. Screening standard: cytology (PAP test) from age 21 every 3 years, HPV test from age 30 every 5 years or co-testing; in case of deviations - colposcopy and biopsy. All three methods complement each other: the HPV test shows the cause, cytology shows cell changes, colposcopy shows where exactly on the cervix they are located.
Indications
- preventively for all women from 21 years of age (cytology) and from 30 years of age (HPV);
- erosion (ectopia), leukoplakia, polyp, suspicious changes in the cervix upon examination;
- positive HPV test or atypia in cytology (ASCUS, LSIL, HSIL) - colposcopy;
- contact bleeding after sexual intercourse;
- control after treatment of dysplasia, conization, cauterization;
- pregnancy planning.
