What does HPV mRNA E6/E7 mean?

A person may receive results from an HPV test that indicate the presence of HPV mRNA E6/E7.

mRNA refers to messenger ribonucleic acid. This acid is present in all living cells, and its function is to carry messages from DNA that instruct cells on how to assemble amino acids to create proteins.

The HPV E6 and E7 proteins perform key roles in transforming cells into cancer cells. As the proteins replicate the HPV virus, they can trigger several cancer cell activities, including rapid cell reproduction, invasion, and metastasis.

The results of an HPV test may include “HPV mRNA E6/E7 detected.” This means that a person has a high-risk type of HPV that can lead to cancer.

The detection of HPV mRNA E6/E7 does not mean that a person has cancer. However, it indicates that they have a type of HPV that carries a risk of cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the immune system usually clears HPV cells within 1 to 2 years. However, if the immune system cannot clear the infection, high-risk HPV can cause precancerous cell changes.

Without treatment, these cells can progress to be cancerous over time. The NCI states that HPV is responsible for around 5% of all cancers and causes around 630,000 cancers globally per year.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved HPV testing for the cervix.

If an HPV test detects HPV mRNA E6/E7, a healthcare professional will assess a person’s risk of developing cervical cell changes that could become cancerous.

Based on their assessment, they may advise a person to do the following:

• Retest: A person may want to return for another HPV test in 1 to 3 years.
• Undergo a colposcopy: During a colposcopy, a doctor inserts a speculum into the vagina and applies a vinegar solution to the cervix. The solution helps the doctor see abnormal areas in the cervix, which they view using an instrument known as a colposcope.
• Undergo a cervical biopsy: In a cervical biopsy, a doctor removes a small tissue sample from the cervix to check for abnormal cells under a microscope.

If the results of these tests reveal high-grade cervical cell changes, which have a high risk of progressing to cancer, a doctor may suggest treatment.

According to the NCI, treatment can include:

• Conization: This may involve a loop electrosurgical excision procedure, in which a healthcare professional removes abnormal tissue using a thin, electrified, wire loop. It can also involve cold knife conization, using a scalpel.
• Cryoablation: During cryoablation, a doctor freezes and destroys abnormal tissue with a cold probe.
• Laser therapy: This uses a laser to destroy or remove tissue.
• Total hysterectomy: A doctor may suggest a total hysterectomy, which involves the surgical removal of the cervix and uterus to remove advanced precancerous cells.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), people aged 25 to 65 should have an HPV test every 5 years. If primary HPV testing is not available, people should have a combined HPV and Pap test every 5 years or a Pap test every 3 years.

A person should also undergo HPV testing if they receive an abnormal Pap test result.

High-risk HPV does not cause symptoms, and a person may only become aware of the infection after testing.

Some HPV-related cancers may cause symptoms, which can include bleeding, pain, and lumps. If a person has any of these symptoms around the genitals, mouth, or throat, they may want to contact a doctor.

The immune system may clear an HPV infection within 1 to 2 years.

However, the virus can remain if the immune system cannot clear the infection. Persistent high-risk HPV may require treatment to prevent or manage precancerous or cancerous cells.

HPV is typically sexually transmitted. A person may sexually transmit a high-risk type of HPV, which can cause the virus to signal the production of the E6 and E7 proteins.

The detection of HPV mRNA E6/E7 does not mean a person has cancer.

The test results indicate that a person has a high-risk type of HPV that may lead to cancer.

HPV mRNA E6/E7 refers to a process of certain high-risk types of HPV, in which the virus carries messages instructing the cells to produce E6 and E7 proteins. These proteins are involved in transforming cells into cancerous cells.

A test result that indicates “HPV mRNA E6/E7 detected” means that a person has a high-risk type of HPV. They may require further testing and treatment to prevent or treat precancerous or cancerous cells.

High-risk HPV does not typically cause symptoms. Individuals may want to undergo routine HPV testing to screen for the virus.