QUESTION
What is the likelihood that HPV causes cervical cancer?

ANSWER
Only certain types of HPV are linked with cervical cancer. These are usually called "high-risk" types. The types of HPV that cause raised external genital warts, called "low-risk" types, are not linked with cancer. Most women, even those who have the high-risk type of warts, do not develop cervical cancer. The majority of cases of cervical cancer are in women who have either never had a Pap smear, or have not had one in five years or more.

If you haven't had one lately, it's time for an annual exam and pap smear.

To your health,
Dr. K