Difference between HPV + and P16 +

Posted by ijones98280 @ijones98280, Feb 5 9:47am

Can anyone speak to the difference between P16 + and HPV +? Does P16 positivity by itself have a good prognosis? Do Drs generally test for both?

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marksalzwedel | @marksalzwedel | Feb 6 9:20am

ijones98280,

Essentially they are the same thing. In laymen's terms (which is all I am) HPV is the virus, and p-16 is the genetic marker they use to test for it.

-Mark

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 16 2:18pm

In reply to @marksalzwedel "ijones98280, Essentially they are the same thing. In laymen's terms (which is all I am) HPV..." + (show)

You’re right @marksalzwedel.
@ijones98280, you can read more here from the America Cancer Society
“There are more than 200 types of HPV (human papillomavirus). All types of HPV can live only in certain cells called squamous epithelial cells. These are normal cells found on the surface of the skin (cutaneous) and on moist surfaces and membranes (called mucosal membranes or mucosal surfaces).

The different types of HPV are identified by numbers and are grouped based on whether they infect cutaneous (skin) cells or mucosal (genital) cells.” https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/hpv/types-of-hpv.html

HPV 16, HPV 18, HPV 31, HPV 33, and HPV 42 are examples of high-risk HPV types that can cause cancer.

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