Screening for cervical cancer and human papilloma virus: Indian context.
Cervical cancer remains the most common fatal cancer in Indian women. The primary underlying cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with human papilloma virus (HPV); HPV 16 and 18 account for nearly 70% of all cervical cancers worldwide. Cytology-based cervical screening programs have been very effective, but require establishing an infrastructure and quality control mechanisms, which can be a challenge. Cervical screening by visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and visual inspection with Lugol's iodine (VILI) are acceptable alternatives for low-resource settings. Primary screening for cervical cancer with HPV testing is attractive but cost could be the limiting factor. A less expensive HPV test holds promise.
Department of Pathology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Dr. E. Borges Road, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. kedardeodhar@hotmail.com
Kedar K
KK
Deodhar
D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D052162:Human papillomavirus 16 / Q000302:isolation & purification; D052161:Human papillomavirus 18 / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology*