Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly prevalent viral infection and the most common sexually transmitted infection globally. The virus consists of over 200 distinct types, or genotypes, that infect the skin and mucous membranes. While most infections are temporary and harmless, a smaller subset is classified as high-risk. These high-risk types are oncogenic, meaning they can cause cellular changes that drive the development of certain cancers. Understanding the specific risks associated with types like HPV 35 is important for effective medical screening and prevention.
Classification and High-Risk Status of HPV 35
HPV 35 is classified as an oncogenic, high-risk genotype because it can cause persistent infection leading to cancer. It belongs to a group of approximately 14 high-risk HPV types responsible for nearly all HPV-related cancers. The virus carries proteins that interfere with normal cellular growth and division, which can result in precancerous lesions. While the immune system clears most HPV infections naturally, persistent HPV 35 infection allows the viral DNA to initiate these cell changes over many years.
While HPV 16 and HPV 18 account for the largest percentage of cervical cancers, HPV 35 is a significant non-16/18 high-risk type. It is often grouped with other high-risk types, such as 31, 33, and 45, which collectively cause the remaining percentage of cervical cancers. This genotype’s distinct genetic makeup places it among the types that necessitate ongoing clinical surveillance following detection.
Health Conditions Linked to HPV 35
Persistent infection with HPV 35 is associated with the development of precancerous lesions and invasive cancers in several anatomical locations. The most recognized condition is cervical dysplasia, where abnormal cells form on the surface of the cervix. High-grade lesions, known as Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade 2 or 3 (CIN2/CIN3), carry the greatest risk of progressing to invasive cervical cancer.
If the infection is not cleared and abnormal cells are left untreated, it can take 15 to 20 years for an HPV 35 infection to progress to invasive cancer. This genotype is also implicated in a range of other anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. For individuals with a cervix, HPV 35 contributes to cancers of the vagina and vulva; in individuals with a penis, it is linked to penile cancer.
HPV 35 is also a contributing factor in anal cancer, a malignancy that affects both men and women. The virus can also infect the tissues of the throat, specifically the oropharynx, leading to oropharyngeal cancer, which includes cancers of the base of the tongue and the tonsils.
Detection and Screening Protocols
The detection of HPV 35 typically occurs through routine screening procedures, primarily for cervical cancer prevention. The standard screening process involves a Papanicolaou (Pap) test, which examines cells collected from the cervix for abnormal changes (cytology). An HPV test is often performed simultaneously with the Pap test (co-testing) or used as a primary screening tool for individuals aged 30 and older.
Molecular HPV testing specifically detects the presence of high-risk viral DNA, and many FDA-approved assays can identify HPV 35. These tests usually report the presence of the 14 high-risk types, though some advanced tests provide genotype-specific results, isolating HPV 35. A positive HPV 35 result, especially when paired with an abnormal Pap test, significantly influences clinical decision-making. Such a result often triggers a referral for a more detailed examination of the cervix, vagina, or anus, known as colposcopy or high-resolution anoscopy.
Monitoring and Management of HPV 35 Infection
There is no direct medication to eliminate the HPV 35 virus once an infection has been established. Management focuses on rigorous surveillance and treating the precancerous lesions caused by the infection before they progress to invasive cancer. A positive test for HPV 35 usually results in a recommendation for more frequent and intensive screening, moving away from the standard three-to-five-year interval. This increased surveillance ensures that any cellular changes are caught at the earliest, most treatable stage.
If a colposcopy confirms high-grade precancerous lesions (CIN2 or CIN3), treatment is usually recommended to remove the abnormal tissue. Common procedures for the cervix include the Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) or cold knife conization, which surgically remove the affected area. After treatment, patients are placed on a long-term surveillance schedule utilizing both Pap and HPV testing to monitor for recurrence for at least 25 years. Since the current nonavalent HPV vaccine does not protect against HPV 35, screening remains a necessary measure for managing the risks associated with this specific genotype.