Final answer:
HPV can cause changes in infected cells over time, potentially leading to cancer, especially with persistent high-risk HPV types. Most infections clear spontaneously, but the high-risk types can cause the cells of the cervix to develop precancerous changes. Regular screening and HPV vaccination can help manage risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections can evolve differently, depending on whether low-risk or high-risk HPV strains are involved. Most HPV infections do not lead to serious disease and are cleared by the immune system within about two years. However, in cases where the infection persists, particularly with high-risk HPV types such as HPV 16 or HPV 18, there is a significant concern for progression to cancer. Persistent infection with these types can lead to the development of precancerous cells in the cervix. Specifically, high-risk HPV strains can disrupt the function of key cellular proteins like p53, hindering the normal cell cycle checkpoint and apoptosis processes, thereby allowing for the accumulation of mutations and uncontrolled cell growth, which might result in cancer.
Although there is no cure for HPV, preventive measures like vaccines and regular screening through Pap tests and HPV tests can help manage the risk and detect cervical cancer in early stages. Genital warts caused by low-risk HPV strains may be treated topically but do not eliminate the infection.