Cancer du col de l’utérus, intérêt du test HPV

Abstract

Uterine cancer, particularly cervical cancer, is often linked to persistent infection with high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which can induce precancerous cellular transformations. In this context, the HPV test, often performed by real-time PCR, represents a crucial screening tool because, unlike the Pap smear which examines cells, it detects the presence of high-risk HPV viruses, thus allowing for the identification of women at increased risk before the appearance of visible cellular abnormalities. Real-time PCR is particularly useful as it allows for rapid and sensitive detection of HPV viral DNA. This early detection improves the sensitivity of screening, optimizes the intervals between examinations for women at low risk, and overall, significantly contributes to the prevention of cervical cancer through earlier intervention.