Human Papillomavirus (HPV) | Diagnosis & Tests   How does the
doctor test for HPV?  The doctor rubs a small swab against your
cervix or anal canal and puts the swab in a tube of special
liquid. This tube goes to a lab. If the lab finds HPV in the
liquid, your doctor will know what HPV type you have.  If the
type of HPV you have is a type that causes cancer, your doctor
may want to perform another type of test, called a colposcopy.
(A colposcope is a special magnifying lens that is used to look
at your cervix. An anoscope is used to look at your anal canal.)
The doctor will cut a small bit of tissue from your cervix or
anal and check it for signs of cancer.  If you are a man who has
sex with men or you are a man who is HIV-positive, you might be
a candidate for an anal Pap test. If you have warts on your anus
or penis, talk to your doctor about having them removed and
alert your sexual partner that you may have HPV.    Written by
editorial staff  Reviewed/Updated: 01/14 Created: 05/99