Specialized Care for HPV-Related Cancer
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 viruses, about 40 types of which can be spread through direct sexual contact. Some of these are low-risk HPVs, which can cause genital warts or other noncancerous growths. Other HPVs are high risk and can lead to cancer.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 90 percent of sexually active men and more than 80 percent of sexually active women will be infected with at least one type of HPV at some point in their lives. About half of these infections involve a high-risk HPV that can cause cancer.
UT Southwestern is ranked among the nation’s top 25 hospitals for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report. Our cancer physicians and their oncology-trained teams provide expert, compassionate care for people of all ages with any type of cancer. As an academic medical center, we’re focused on tomorrow’s cancer care today, by training health care providers and conducting research.
UT Southwestern is also a leader in HPV research. A study led by Dr. Jasmin Tiro found that a multicomponent outreach program increased completion of the three-dose HPV vaccination series that reduces the risk of cervical cancer caused by the virus. Dr. Tiro serves as co-leader of the Population Science and Cancer Control Program.
Cancers Associated With HPV
HPV can cause several types of cancer, including:
Causes and Risk Factors of HPV-Related Cancer
High-risk HPV infections develop in epithelial cells, which form layers of skin covering the outside of the body. Epithelial cells also line certain surfaces inside the body such as the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and throat.
When an HPV infects an epithelial cell, the virus produces certain proteins that interfere with normal cell growth. These proteins cause cells to grow uncontrollably and also prevent cells from dying at a normal rate.
In most cases, the body’s immune system recognizes and destroys HPV-infected cells. But sometimes the HPV infection persists and abnormal cells continue to grow. These cells first form precancerous cells and, if undetected, continue to become a cancerous tumor.
Certain factors can increase the risk that an HPV infection will become cancer, such as:
- Tobacco use, including smoking or chewing (for cervical, oropharyngeal, or tonsil cancer)
- Poor oral hygiene (for oropharyngeal or tonsil cancer)
- Weakened immune system
- Chronic inflammation
- Multiple sexual partners
Additional risk factors for cervical cancer include:
- Early onset of sexual activity
- Multiple sexual partners
- A high-risk sexual partner
- History of sexually transmitted infections
- History of vulvar or vaginal squamous intraepithelial neoplasia or cancer (HPV infection is also the cause of most cases of these conditions)
- Immunosuppression
HPV-Related Cancer: Screening and Prevention
Vaccines are available to prevent infection with the types of HPV that lead to anal, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar precancers and cancers. Gardasil 9® is the HPV vaccine used in the United States.
The CDC recommends the vaccine primarily for boys and girls ages 11 to 12, and the vaccine an be given at any time between the ages of 9 and 26. In fall 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Gardasil 9® for men and women between the ages of 27 and 45.
Screening for cervical cancer is very effective and includes:
- HPV test, which checks for the presence of DNA from HPV in cervical cells
- Pap test, which checks for abnormal cells on the cervix
The primary screening test for anal cancer is a colonoscopy. Find out more about early detection and screening for cancer.
Some ways to decrease the risk of HPV infection include:
- Limiting the number of sexual partners
- Using condoms or dental dams during vaginal, oral, or anal sex
No screening tests are available for throat, oropharyngeal, tonsil, or penile cancer. Learn more about head and neck cancer awareness and prevention.
Diagnosis of HPV-Related Cancer
UT Southwestern’s experienced cancer specialists conduct a thorough evaluation, which includes a:
- Physical exam
- Discussion of personal and family medical history
- Discussion of symptoms and risk factors
We often recommend further tests to confirm a diagnosis. Depending on the type of HPV-related cancer that is suspected, patients might need to have one or more of the following tests:=
- Biopsy: Our doctors take a small tissue sample that a pathologist analyzes under a microscope for the presence of cancer.
- Colposcopy: We apply vinegar to the cervix, vulva, and/or vagina and examine the areas with a microscope. Biopsies of concerning areas may be performed.
- Endoscopy: We use an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube tipped with a lighted camera) inserted into the anus or the vagina to check for precancerous or cancerous cells.
- Laryngoscopy: We sometimes use an endoscope, which is inserted through the nose, for a closer look into the throat.
- Pelvic exam: Doctors conduct an internal and external exam of a woman’s reproductive organs, including the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: CT uses specialized X-rays with or without a contrast agent to produce cross-sectional 3D images of internal structures.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: An MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnet, with or without a contrast agent, to produce detailed images that can show the presence of cancer and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- Positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scan: Using small amounts of radioactive materials and a special camera, PET scans produce highly detailed images that can detect cancerous cells. At UT Southwestern, we use combined PET and CT scanning equipment to produce enhanced images to help detect abnormal tissue that might be cancer. PET scanning shows body functions such as blood flow and sugar metabolism, and CT scans provide detailed anatomical information on organs, bones, soft tissue, and blood vessels.
- Ultrasound: Using sound waves and a computer, our imaging technicians produce images of internal structures.