HPV test looks for some high-risk types of the human papilloma virus, including types 16 and 18, which cause most cases of cervical cancer.
Most people with HPV never develop symptoms or health problems. Most HPV infections (9 out of 10) go away by themselves within two years. Sometimes, HPV infections will last longer, and can cause certain cancers and other diseases.
HPV infection can cause:
- cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva in women;
- cancers of the penis in men; and
- cancers of the anus and back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils (oropharynx), in both women and men.
HPV Vaccines
HPV vaccine is important because it protects against cancers caused by HPV( human papillomavirus . HPV is a very common virus.
HPV vaccine is recommended for young women and men through age 9 to 40.