Cervical Cancer: Human Papilloma Virus Infection

Key points

• Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is the most important risk factor for developing cervical cancer; subtypes 16, 18 and 33 are particularly carcinogenic
• HPV produces the oncogenes E6 and E7, which inhibit the tumour suppressor genes p53 and pRb respectively
• Koilocyte features on smear: enlarged nucleus, irregular nuclear membrane contour, hyperchromasia (dark nuclear staining), perinuclear halo