Disclaimer: This is general health information only and is not a substitute for advice from your GP or healthcare professional.
1. What is HPV 16/18?
HPV 16 and 18 are high-risk types of human papillomavirus that are most commonly associated with cervical cancer. They account for the majority of cervical cancer cases worldwide.
2. What are other high-risk HPV types?
Other high-risk HPV types include HPV 31, 33, 35, 45, 52, 58, and several others. While they can also cause cervical cancer, they are less commonly associated with aggressive disease compared to HPV 16/18.
3. Why is it important to distinguish HPV 16/18 from other types?
Screening programs often separately identify HPV 16/18 because they carry a higher risk of progression to cervical pre-cancer or cancer, guiding earlier follow-up and intervention.
4. How is testing done?
HPV testing is done on vaginal or cervical samples, either clinician-collected or self-collected. The test can detect specific types like 16/18 or report other high-risk HPV as a group.
5. What happens if I test positive for HPV 16/18?
A positive result usually leads to prompt referral for colposcopy to examine the cervix for pre-cancerous changes and to guide treatment if needed.
6. What happens if I test positive for other high-risk HPV types?
If positive for other high-risk types, management depends on cytology (LBC) results. If LBC shows high-grade changes (HSIL), colposcopy is recommended. If LBC is negative or shows low-grade changes (LSIL), HPV testing is usually repeated in 12 months to monitor for persistent infection.
7. Can I have more than one HPV type?
Yes. It is possible to be infected with multiple HPV types simultaneously, including both 16/18 and other high-risk types. Management depends on which types are detected.
8. How long does HPV infection last?
Most HPV infections, including high-risk types, clear on their own within 1–2 years. Persistent infections, especially with HPV 16/18, are more likely to cause cervical changes.
9. Can HPV vaccination help?
Yes. Vaccines such as Gardasil 9 protect against HPV 16, 18, and other high-risk types, reducing the risk of cervical cancer and some other HPV-related cancers.
10. How often should I be screened?
Screening recommendations vary by age and country. In Australia, people aged 25–74 years are recommended to have HPV testing every five years, with type-specific results guiding follow-up.
