The leading cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common sexually transmitted virus. This virus, which causes genital warts (papilloma) in humans, is divided into several different types, each identified by number. HPV types 16, 18, 26, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 69, 73, and 82 are high-risk types that increase the risk of cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer in women, as well as penile cancer in men. Additionally, infection with these HPV types can cause anal and throat cancer in both men and women.
This test helps to screen for and detect early the risk of HPV infection and the specific HPV types present.


