title: Do HPV-negative cervical carcinomas exist?--revisited.
abstract: There has been considerable debate regarding the existence of HPV-negative cervical carcinoma. In this issue of the journal, using well-controlled methodology, Walboomers et al. demonstrate that HPV DNA is present in almost all invasive carcinomas in a large multinational study. This indicates that HPV-negative carcinoma is extremely uncommon, if it exists at all. It also implies that HPV testing, if optimally applied, is capable of a sensitivity approaching 100 per cent. This has significant implications for cervical screening.
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Herrington
mesh_terms: D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000235:genetics*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology*; D014626:Vaginal Smears
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral