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Though most human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are suppressed by the immune system, infection with some high-risk strains of HPV can cause changes in the cells of the cervix and anus that can lead to cancer. �����о��� Langone clinicians recommend that people be screened regularly for cervical dysplasia—abnormally developed cells in the cervix that may or may not be precancerous—and cervical cancer.

Certain groups, including men who have sex with other men and people with HIV may benefit from routine screening for anal cancer. This can include digital rectal exams and anal cytology, commonly called Pap tests.

There are two tests used to screen for cancerous and precancerous conditions related to HPV infection.

Cervical Pap Test

The cervical Pap test helps look for changes in cells, including those that indicate cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer. It is performed during a pelvic exam. During the test, an instrument called a speculum is inserted into the vagina to look at the cervix—the lower part of the uterus, or womb. Then, using a small swab or brush, a sample of cells is gently collected from the cervix, which are sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Regular Pap tests are recommended for people with a cervix ages 21 to 65, even if they have had the HPV vaccine. Having an abnormal Pap test result typically doesn’t mean you have cancer but can lead toward necessary procedures to prevent cancer.

Anal Pap Test

The anal cytology test, also known as an anal Pap test, helps look for changes in cells, including those that indicate anal dysplasia or anal cancer. It may be performed during a routine visit or during a rectal exam. During the test, a small swab or brush is used to gently collect a sample of cells from the anus, which are sent to a laboratory for analysis. An anoscopy exam may be performed at the same time, where a small instrument called an anoscope is inserted into the anus to look at the skin at the end of the intestines.

Regular anal cytology tests are recommended for certain people, especially men who have sex with men and people with HIV, even if they have had the HPV vaccine. Having an abnormal anal cytology test result typically doesn’t mean you have cancer but can lead toward necessary procedures to prevent cancer.

Human Papillomavirus Test

A test to check for the types of high-risk HPV that can lead to cancer can be performed at the same time as a Pap test or cytology. If a cervical HPV test result is positive for high-risk HPV, a procedure called a colposcopy may be performed to look for cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer. If an anal HPV test result is positive for high-risk HPV, a procedure called high resolution anoscopy may be performed to look for anal dysplasia or anal cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, cervical Pap tests should be performed every three years from ages 21 to 29. People ages 30 to 65 should have both high-risk HPV and Pap tests every five years or the Pap test alone every three years. This schedule reduces the risk of detecting HPV that would go away on its own, while providing enough time to treat any abnormalities. Only people with no symptoms or with no cell abnormalities found during prior screening should follow this schedule.

According to the International Anal Neoplasia Society, anal cytology and HPV screening tests can be considered in certain populations, including men who have sex with men, transgender women, people with HIV, and people with other associated factors around age 35 to 45.

If abnormalities are found, your ������� Langone team creates a screening schedule based on your diagnosis and test results.