(June 18, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Testing women for the human papillomavirus (HPV) on top of routine screening for cervical cancer with a liquid Pap smear may not increase detection rates, according to research published in The Lancet Oncology.

Here is some information on HPV and cervical cancer:

•    HPV is the most common family of viruses; there are over 100 types of HPV viruses

•    Some types can cause genital warts

•    Other types can cause precancerous lesions or cancer of the cervix, anus, or genitals

Researchers from the University of Manchester recruited nearly 25,000 women who received both a liquid-based Pap smear and HPV testing. They were randomly assigned into two groups – one received the results of their HPV test, while the other did not.

In the first round of screening, 1.27% in the HPV test revealed group and 1.31% in the concealed group had precancerous cells. In the second round, 0.25% in the revealed and 0.47% in the concealed group had these cells. Overall, there was no statistically significant difference in the proportion who were identified as having precancerous cells.

Today's research suggests that HPV testing does not add clinically relevant information over a liquid Pap smear with regard to screening for cervical cancer.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.