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Human Papillomaviruses and Cancer: Questions and Answers
- What are human papillomaviruses, and how are they
transmitted?
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a group of more than 100 related viruses.
They are called papillomaviruses because certain types may cause warts,
or papillomas, which are benign (noncancerous) tumors. The HPVs that cause
the common warts which grow on hands and feet are different from those that
cause growths in the throat or genital area. Some types of HPV are associated
with certain types of cancer (1). These are called high-risk,
oncogenic, or carcinogenic HPVs.
Genital HPV infections are very common and are sexually transmitted. Of
the more than 100 types of HPV, more than 30 types can be passed from one
person to another through sexual contact. Although HPVs are usually transmitted
sexually, doctors cannot say for certain when infection occurred. Most HPV
infections occur without any symptoms and go away without any treatment
over the course of a few years. However, HPV infection sometimes persists
for many years, with or without causing cell abnormalities. This can increase
a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer.
- What are genital warts?
Some types of HPV may cause warts to appear on or around the genitals or
anus. Genital warts (technically known as condylomata acuminata) are most
commonly associated with two HPV types, HPV–6 and HPV–11. Warts
may appear within several weeks after sexual contact with a person who is
infected with HPV, or they may take months or years to appear, or they may
never appear. HPVs may also cause flat, abnormal growths in the genital
area and on the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that extends into the
vagina). However, HPV infections of the cervix usually do not cause any
symptoms.
- What is the association between HPV infection and
cancer?
Persistent HPV infections are now recognized as the major cause of cervical
cancer. In 2007, it was estimated that 11,000 women in the United States
would be diagnosed with this type of cancer and nearly 4,000 would die from
it. Cervical cancer strikes nearly half a million women each year worldwide,
claiming a quarter of a million lives. Studies also suggest that HPVs may
play a role in some cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, and penile cancer
(cancer of the penis) (2).
Studies have also found that oral HPV infection is a strong risk factor
for oropharyngeal cancer (cancer that forms in tissues of the oropharynx,
which is the middle part of the throat and includes the soft palate, the
base of the tongue, and the tonsils) (2, 3).
Researchers found that an oral HPV infection and past HPV exposure increase
the risk of oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer, regardless of tobacco and
alcohol use, two other important risk factors for this disease. However,
combining HPV exposure and heavy tobacco and alcohol use did not have an
additive effect (3).
- Are there specific types of HPV that are associated
with cancer?
Some types of HPV are referred to as “low-risk” viruses because
they rarely cause lesions that develop into cancer. HPV types that are more
likely to lead to the development of cancer are referred to as “high-risk.”
Both high-risk and low-risk types of HPV can cause the growth of abnormal
cells, but only the high-risk types of HPV lead to cancer. Sexually transmitted,
high-risk HPVs include types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58,
59, 66, 68, and 73 (4). These high-risk types of HPV cause
growths on the cervix that are usually flat and nearly invisible, as compared
with the external warts caused by low-risk types HPV–6 and HPV–11.
HPV types 16 and 18 together cause about 70 percent of cervical cancers
(4, 5). It is important to note, however,
that the great majority of high-risk HPV infections go away on their own
and do not cause cancer (5).
- What are the risk factors for HPV infection and
cervical cancer?
Having many sexual partners is a risk factor for HPV infection. Although
most HPV infections go away on their own without causing any type of abnormality,
infection with high-risk HPV types increases the chance that mild abnormalities
will develop and progress to more severe abnormalities or cervical cancer.
However, even among the women who do develop abnormal cell changes with
high-risk types of HPV, only a small percentage would develop cervical cancer
if the abnormal cells were not removed. As a general rule, the more severe
the abnormal cell change, the greater the risk of cancer. Studies suggest
that whether a woman develops cervical cancer depends on a variety of factors
acting together with high-risk HPVs. The factors that may increase the risk
of cervical cancer in women with HPV infection include smoking and having
many children (5).
- Can HPV infection be prevented?
The surest way to eliminate risk for genital HPV infection is to refrain
from any genital contact with another individual.
For those who choose to be sexually active, a long-term, mutually monogamous
relationship with an uninfected partner is the strategy most likely to prevent
genital HPV infection. However, it is difficult to determine whether a partner
who has been sexually active in the past is currently infected.
HPV infection can occur in both male and female genital areas that are
covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not
covered. Although the degree of protection provided by condoms in preventing
HPV infection is unknown, condom use has been associated with a lower rate
of cervical cancer.
In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Gardasil®,
a vaccine that is highly effective in preventing infection with types 16
and 18, two “high-risk” HPVs that cause most (70 percent) cervical
cancers (4), and types 6 and 11, which cause most (90
percent) genital warts (5).
- How are HPV infections detected?
Testing samples of cervical cells is an effective way to identify high-risk
types of HPV that may be present. The FDA has approved an HPV test as a
follow-up for women who have an ambiguous Pap test (a screening test to
detect cervical cell changes) and, for women over the age of 30, for general
cervical cancer screening. This HPV test can identify at least 13 of the
high-risk types of HPV associated with the development of cervical cancer.
This test, which looks for viral DNA, is performed by collecting cells from
the cervix and then sending them to a laboratory for analysis. The test
can detect high-risk types of HPV even before there are any conclusive visible
changes to the cervical cells. There are currently no approved tests to
detect HPV infection in men.
- How are cervical cell abnormalities classified?
A Pap test is used to detect abnormal cells in the cervix. It involves
the collection of cells from the cervix for examination under the microscope.
Various terms have been used to describe the abnormal cells that may be
seen in Pap tests.
The major system used to report the results of Pap tests in the United
States is the Bethesda System. In this system, samples with cell abnormalities
are divided into the following categories:
• ASC—Atypical Squamous Cells. Squamous cells
are the thin, flat cells that form the
surface of the cervix. The Bethesda System divides this category into two
groups:
1. ASC–US—Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance.
The squamous cells do not appear completely normal, but doctors are uncertain
what the cell changes mean. Sometimes the changes are related to HPV infection.
An HPV test may be done to clarify the findings.
2. ASC–H—Atypical Squamous Cells cannot exclude a High-grade
squamous
intraepithelial abnormality. Intraepithelial refers to the layer of cells
that forms the surface of the cervix. The cells do not appear normal, but
doctors are uncertain what the cell changes mean. ASC–H may indicate
a higher risk of being precancerous compared with ASC–US.
• AGC—Atypical Glandular Cells. Glandular
cells are mucus-producing cells found in
the endocervical canal (opening in the center of the cervix) or in the lining
of the uterus. The glandular cells do not appear normal, but doctors are
uncertain what the cell changes mean.
• AIS—endocervical Adenocarcinoma In Situ.
Precancerous cells are found in the
glandular tissue.
• LSIL—Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion. Low-grade means there are early changes in the size and shape of
the cells. The word lesion refers to an area of abnormal tissue. LSILs are
considered mild abnormalities caused by HPV infection and are a common condition,
especially among young women. The majority of LSILs return to normal over
months to a few years.
• HSIL—High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion. High-grade means that the cells look very different in size and
shape from normal cells. HSILs are more severe abnormalities and may eventually
lead to cancer if left untreated.
Pap test results may also be described using an older set of categories
called the “dysplasia scale.” Dysplasia is a term used to describe
abnormal cells. Although dysplasia is not cancer, it may develop into very
early cancer of the cervix. The cells look abnormal under the microscope,
but they do not invade nearby healthy tissue.
There are four degrees of dysplasia: mild, moderate, severe, and carcinoma
in situ. Carcinoma in situ is a precancerous condition that involves only
the layer of cells on the surface of the cervix, and has not spread to nearby
tissues. In the Bethesda System, mild dysplasia is classified as LSIL; moderate
or severe dysplasia and carcinoma in situ are combined into HSIL.
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is another term that is sometimes
used to describe abnormal tissue findings. Neoplasia means an abnormal growth
of cells. The term CIN along with a number (1, 2,
or 3) describes how much of the thickness of the lining
of the cervix contains abnormal cells. CIN–3 is considered to be a
precancerous condition that includes carcinoma in situ.
- What tests are used to screen for and diagnose precancerous
cervical conditions?
A Pap test is the standard way to check for any cervical cell changes.
A Pap test is usually done as part of a gynecologic exam. The U.S. Preventive
Services Task Force guidelines recommend that women have a Pap test at least
once every 3 years, beginning about 3 years after they begin to have sexual
intercourse, but no later than age 21.
Because the HPV test can detect high-risk types of HPV in cervical cells,
the FDA approved this test as a useful addition to the Pap test to help
health care providers decide which women with ASC–US need further
testing, such as colposcopy and biopsy of any abnormal areas. (Colposcopy
is a procedure in which a lighted magnifying instrument called a colposcope
is used to examine the vagina and cervix. Biopsy is the removal of a small
piece of tissue for diagnosis.) In addition, the HPV test can be a helpful
addition to the Pap test for general screening of women age 30 and over.
- What are the treatment options for HPV infection?
Although there is currently no medical cure for human papillomavirus infection,
the lesions and warts these viruses cause can be treated. Methods commonly
used to treat lesions include cryosurgery (freezing that destroys tissue),
LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure, the removal of tissue using
a hot wire loop), and conventional surgery. Similar treatments may be used
for external genital warts. In addition, some drugs may be used to treat
external genital warts (6). More information about treatment
for genital warts can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s
(CDC) Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines Web page at http://www.cdc.gov/STD/treatment/
on the Internet.
- What research is being done on HPV-related cancers?
Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a part of the National
Institutes of Health (NIH), and elsewhere are studying how HPVs cause precancerous
changes in normal cells and how these changes can be prevented (7).
Scientists are also developing HPV vaccines that will be stable at room
temperature and that protect against more HPV types.
The goal is to develop a vaccine that does not require refrigeration for storage
and distribution, which could allow for its use in many climates and locations.
Laboratory research has indicated that HPVs produce proteins known as E5,
E6, and E7. These proteins interfere with the cell functions that normally
prevent excessive growth. For example, HPV E6 interferes with the human
protein p53. This protein is present in all people and acts to keep tumors
from growing (8). This research is being used to develop
ways to interrupt the process by which HPV infection can lead to the growth
of abnormal cells.
Researchers at the NCI and elsewhere are also studying what people know
and understand about HPV infection and cervical cancer, the best way to
communicate the latest research results to the public, and how doctors are
talking with their patients about HPV infection. This research will help
to ensure that the public receives accurate information about HPV that is
easily understood and will facilitate access to appropriate tests for those
who need them.
- How can people learn more about HPV infection?
The following Federal Government agencies can provide more information
about HPV infection:
The NCI’s HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccines for Cervical Cancer
Digest Page provides links to NCI materials about HPV vaccines as well as
general information about HPV, cancer vaccines, and cervical cancer. This
Web site can be found at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/hpv-vaccines
on the Internet.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), another
part of the NIH, supports research on HPV infection and offers printed materials.
NIAID can be contacted at:
Organization: |
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases |
Address: |
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
6610 Rockledge Drive, MSC 6612
Bethesda, MD 20892–6612 |
Telephone: |
301–496–5717 |
TTY: |
1–800–877–8339 |
Web site: |
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov |
The CDC-INFO Contact Center provides information on sexually transmitted
infections, including HPV, and how to prevent them. The center can be reached
by calling toll-free 1–800–CDC–INFO (1–800–232–4636).
Both English- and Spanish-speaking specialists are available 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Staff provide information about sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs) and referrals to free or low-cost clinics nationwide.
Free educational literature about sexually transmitted infections and prevention
methods is also available. More information from the CDC about sexually
transmitted infections is available at http://www.cdc.gov/std on the Internet.
The CDC’s Division of STD Prevention Web site also has information
about HPV, including treatment guidelines and surveillance statistics. This
Web site can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/ on the Internet.
Selected References
- Division of STD Prevention. Prevention of genital
HPV infection and sequelae: Report of an external consultants’ meeting.
Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1999.
- Parkin DM. The global health burden of infection-associated
cancers in the year 2002. International Journal of Cancer 2006; 118:3030–3044.
- D'Souza G, Kreimer AR, Viscidi R, et al. Case-control
study of human papillomavirus and oropharyngeal cancer. New England Journal
of Medicine 2007; 356:1944–1956.
- Munoz N, Bosch FX, Castellsague X, et al. Against
which human papillomavirus types shall we vaccinate and screen? The international
perspective. International Journal of Cancer 2004;111:278–285.
- Schiffman M, Castle PE, Jeronimo J, Rodriguez AC,
Wacholder S. Human papillomavirus and cervical cancer. The Lancet
2007; 370:890–907.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually
transmitted diseases treatment guidelines 2002. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2002; 51(RR-6):1–78.
- National Cancer Institute. Future directions in epidemiologic
and preventive research on human papillomaviruses and cancer. Proceedings
of a workshop. Bethesda, Maryland, June 2002. Journal of the National
Cancer Institute Monographs 2003; 31:1–130.
- Howley PM, Ganem D, Kieff E. Etiology of cancer: Viruses.
Section 2: DNA Viruses. In: DeVita VT Jr., Hellman S, Rosenberg SA, editors.
Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. Vol. 1 and 2. 6th ed.
Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2004.
# # #
Related NCI materials and Web pages:
For more help, contact:
- NCI's Cancer Information Service
Telephone
(toll-free): 18004CANCER (18004226237) TTY (toll-free):
18003328615 LiveHelp® online chat: https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/livehelp/welcome.asp
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