Human Papillomavirus and Precancerous Conditions of the Cervix- A Review

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is present in precancerous conditions of the cervix. This review attempts to elucidate our understanding of precancerous cervical cancer, with particular emphasis on the central aetiologic function of persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The review dwells on recent studies that focused on detecting precancerous cervical lesions using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), convection cytology (Pap smear testing), and Schiller test. Anomalies in staining the exocervical epithelium and intraepithelial lesions upon detection with polymerize chain reaction indicated HPV infection. The stages in the evolution of cervical cancer have been widely studied and understood, resulting in successful cancer etiology and prevention.