Definition

A laboratory test in which cells are scraped from the cervix to look for DNA of human papillomaviruses (HPV). HPV can cause abnormal tissue growth (for example, warts) and other changes to cells. Infection for a long time with certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. HPV can also play a role in other types of cancer, such as cancers of the anus, vagina, vulva, penis, and oropharynx. Also called HPV DNA test.