- With Mayo Clinic internist
Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.
Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.
Dr. Sandhya Pruthi, certified by the American Board of Family Practice, has been practicing medicine at Mayo Clinic since 1995 with special interests in breast diseases and women's health.
She is a consultant in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, and the Breast Diagnostic Clinic. She is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minn.
The Winnipeg, Manitoba, native stresses education and patient-related research and has been active in both areas since joining Mayo Clinic. She is the primary investigator at Mayo Clinic of several clinical trials evaluating new agents for the prevention of breast cancer and identification of biomarkers for early detection of breast cancer. Her other research and clinical interests include managing the health of women who are at increased risk of breast cancer, breast pain and hot flashes, and developing patient education decision-making tools for breast-related concerns. She is director of the Breast Diagnostic Clinic and is a member of the Women's Health Executive Committee. Dr. Pruthi has been newly elected as a member to the board of directors for the American Society of Breast Disease. She has assisted with a variety of articles for MayoClinic.com.
"Having an opportunity to share information with my patients in the way that will help them to understand and be able to make educated decisions about their own health is very important to me," she says.
"The Web has become a major information site for people, and I want them to get the best and accurate information to be able to make informed choices for themselves, their family members and friends."
Tests and diagnosis (3)
- Cervical dysplasia: Is it cancer?
- Pap smear: Do I need one if I'm a virgin?
- Pap smear: Still necessary after hysterectomy?
Causes (2)
- Cervical cancer: Can I get it if I've never had sex?
- HPV infection: How does it cause cervical cancer?
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Question
HPV infection: How does it cause cervical cancer?
How does HPV cause cervical cancer?
Answer
from Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.
Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) — a sexually transmitted infection — is the most common cause of cervical cancer. When a woman is exposed to HPV, her immune system usually prevents the virus from doing any serious harm. But in a small number of women, the virus survives for years. Eventually, the virus can lead to the conversion of normal cells on the surface of the cervix into cancerous cells.
At first, the cells may only show signs of a viral infection. Eventually, however, the cells may develop precancerous changes. This is known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Typically, the precancerous changes clear spontaneously. In some cases, however — particularly for people who have weak immune systems — cervical intraepithelial neoplasia eventually progresses to invasive cervical cancer.
It's not clear why some women are more likely to develop cervical cancer. Some types of HPV are simply more aggressive than are others. Cigarette smoking also increases the risk of cervical cancer. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, women who smoke are about twice as likely as nonsmokers to develop cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccine (Gardasil) offers protection from several of the most dangerous types of HPV. The vaccine is recommended for girls ages 11 to 12, although it can be given to girls and women ages 9 to 26 who haven't been vaccinated or who haven't completed the full vaccine series.
Remember, if you're sexually active, the best way to prevent HPV and other sexually transmitted infections is to remain in a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. When you have sex, always use a condom. Regular screening for cervical cancer and precancerous changes in the cervix is important, too.
Next questionCervical dysplasia: Is it cancer?
- Palefsky JM, et al. Virology of human papillomavirus infections and the link to cancer. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 10, 2008.
- Holschneider CH. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: Management. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 10, 2008.
- Reichman R. Treatment and prevention of human papillomavirus infections. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 10, 2008.
- Harper DM. Human papillomavirus vaccines. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 10, 2008.
- What are the risk factors for cervical cancer? American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_2X_What_are_the_risk_factors_for_cervical_cancer_8.asp. Accessed Oct. 10, 2008.
