AN UPDATE ON THE USE OF PAP TESTS AND HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS TESTING

Course overview

Although the Pap test has been the most effective cancer screening tool known to date and has resulted in a reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer by 80%, the field of cervical cancer screening is changing at a rapid pace. Introduction of the liquid-based collection medium, incorporation of testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV), FDA approval of the HPV vaccine, and new modalities of testing on the horizon–tests for E6/E7 mRNA, p16, and Pro ExC -- are landmark changes occurring as the field evolves. To fully understand and implement these changes, a basic understanding of the biology of HPV infection, its association with low-grade and high-grade lesions of the cervix, and the progression to cervical cancer is imperative.