Medical Health Encyclopedia

Of the high-risk types, HPV type 18 and HPV 16 have long been known to be particularly dangerous. These two genetic types and six others (31, 33, 35, 45, 52, and 58) account for 95% of HPV-related cervical cancers. Other high-risk types are 39, 51, 56, 59, 68, 73, and 82. All are associated with moderate dysplasia (CIN II) and carcinoma in situ (CIN III). Types 26, 53, and 66 are considered high-risk.

Severe HPV types have also been associated with an increased risk for other cancers, including other genital and lung cancers. The high-risk viruses generally produce flat and nearly invisible growths, compared to the usually harmless warts caused by low-risk HPV viruses.

Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Herpesviruses. Certain herpesviruses (HSV), including HSV-6, HSV-2, HSV-7, and cytomegalovirus, have been detected in women with cervical cancer. HSV-6 is under particular suspicion as playing a role in activating the papillomavirus gene. The presence of these very common viruses, however, may simply be coincidental, and they may serve no purpose other than being bystanders.

Text Continues Below

---

Chlamydia Trachomatis. Studies are finding an especially strong association between the incidence of Chlamydiatrachomatis, a sexually transmitted infection, and HPV. (Chlamydia trachomatis should not be confused with Chlamydia pneumoniae, a common cause of mild pneumonia in young adults, and which is not associated with cervical cancer.)

Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Other sexually transmitted diseases that have been associated with cervical cancer include HIV and gonorrhea. These infections, however, also may only be markers of increased sexual activity rather and may not themselves cause cancer.