Cervical Cancer - Causes

Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Herpesviruses. Certain herpesviruses (HSV), including HSV-6, HSV-2, HSV-7, and cytomegalovirus, have been detected in women with cervical cancer. HSV-6 is under particular suspicion as playing a role in activating the papillomavirus gene. The presence of these very common viruses, however, may simply be coincidental, and they may serve no purpose other than being bystanders.

Chlamydia Trachomatis. Studies are finding an especially strong association between the incidence of Chlamydiatrachomatis, a sexually transmitted infection, and HPV. (Chlamydia trachomatis should not be confused with Chlamydia pneumoniae, a common cause of mild pneumonia in young adults, and which is not associated with cervical cancer.)

Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Other sexually transmitted diseases that have been associated with cervical cancer include HIV and gonorrhea. These infections, however, also may only be markers of increased sexual activity rather and may not themselves cause cancer.

Page: 1 | 2   previous | next

Email this page  Printer friendly  Bookmark this page