Cervical Cancer is responsible for more than any gynecologic-related deaths world wide than any other malady, making it the most important preventable disease in women’s health today. Worldwide each year 4, 93,243 women are diagnosed of cervical cancer of whom 2,40,000 women die of this disease (WHO). India contributes more than ¼ of the global burden. Each year about 1,32,082 cases of this cancer are diagnosed and more than 74,118 women die of this disease, this cancer being most common cancer of women in our country.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection is now a well established cause of cervical cancer. Human papilloma virus is a double stranded DNA virus of papovaviride family. More than 100 types described; 30 infect ano genital tract. High risk types of 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59 and 68 are associated with neoplasia. HPV 16 and 18 in 70% of this cancer cases world wide and 45 and 31 with a further 10% of this cancer case. Low risk types 6, 11, 42, 43, 44 associated with genital warts (cardyloma) and do not cause cancer. Almost 100% cancer cases of cervix are associated with HPV, 90% cases of anal cancer, 40% cases each of vulva, vagina, penis and about 12% cases of oral cavity and pharynx are HPV related cancers.
