Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are recognized unequivocally as the main causal factor of all cervical cancers, of a substantial proportion of many other anogenital neoplasms (anal, vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers), of a non-negligible portion of head and neck cancers (oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx) and is suspected to play a role in other neoplasms as well, such as conjunctiva carcinoma. HPVs also cause benign lesions such as papillomatosis and condylomas. HPVs are also the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world. About all sexually active individuals will be infected with HPV at least once in their lives.
Importantly, most HPV infections are asymptomatic and only a small proportion of infected individuals will progress to persistent infection and ultimately toward cancer, as most people will clear the infection within 12-24 months. This means that in most people, HPV will just be eliminated without any clinical consequences. In some cohorts of young individuals, the prevalence of HPV can reach 40-60%. It is important to keep this matter in proportion and to avoid crying wolf with alarmist statements following the detection of HPV. It might be very stressful for patients to have the announcement that their HPV test was positive. They can worry about the possible clinical consequences and maybe even more about the aspect of infidelity of their partner.
Education is needed for physician and public to put everything in perspective.