High-risk Human Papillomavirus and its relationship with premalignant cervical lesions, between the years 2020-2022, Chile.

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical Cancer is a significant health issue worldwide, primarily caused by Human Papillomavirus. Objective: To analyze the prevalence of different Human Papillomavirus genotypes in patients with premalignant cervical lesions at the cervical pathology unit from 2020 to 2022, Chile. Methodology: A retrospective observational study, with a cross-sectional design and descriptive scope, was conducted at the Cervical Pathology Unit. Data from women aged 25-64 were analyzed, assessing variables such as age, high-risk Human Papillomavirus subtype, results from Pap smear tests, and biopsies. Results: A sample of 244 women was studied. Human Papillomavirus 16 was the most detected subtype, followed by other high-risk Human Papillomavirus and Human Papillomavirus 18. About 22,95% of the women had more than one type of Human Papillomavirus. 47,95% of patients with high-risk Human Papillomavirus had some form of cervical lesion, with Human Papillomavirus 16 most associated with neoplasms. Discussion: Detection of high-risk Human Papillomavirus through the Human Papillomavirus test is more sensitive compared to the PAP test and should be preferred as a screening method in women aged 30 and older to improve detection rates and avoid false positives. Conclusion: The study confirms the significant association between high-risk Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer, as well as the superiority of the Human Papillomavirus test over the PAP test for Cervical Cancer screening, highlighting the need to improve public policies and continue to investigate the effects that the Human Papillomavirus vaccine will have on the target population.