Pap smears are necessary so that the cervix can be examined for abnormal cell growth. Pap smears have helped dramatically reduced the rate of death from cervical cancer, and can find cervical abnormalities before they become life-threatening. Yearly Pap smears are generally recommended. Since HIV-positive women are more vulnerable to infections, however, they should have Pap smears twice a year. He reports that the study shows that both a higher HIV viral load and lower CD4 count were predictive of HPV infection.
Dysplasia is easy to treat.
If this condition is left untreated over a number of years, the cells may eventually break through the skin layer and invade the layer beneath, which means cervical cancer is present. These viruses are very common and have been found in 6 percent of all women. HPV is a group of about 70 similar viruses of which about 20 can infect the genital skin. A noticeable overgrowth of the skin called condyloma or genital warts may result, which are usually painless. If the virus is only present on the cervix, the only way to detect it is with a Pap smear.