This complex study included a pilot and a main part. As the results of the pilot study were satisfying and conclusive, the main study was not performed.

This is a register-based, epidemiological study of HPV type distribution in women aged 18 years and above with recurrent conization following a primary conization for high grade lesions/ microinvasive carcinomas. This study will involve data collection from different databases in the Cancer Registry of Norway.

This protocol posting has been updated following Protocol Amendment 1 (02 April 2010). The sections impacted are: enrolment, outcome measures and eligibility criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

All subjects must meet the following criteria at study entry:

• Women aged 18 years and above at the time of the collection of the primary cone specimen;
• Who have undergone for the first time a conization due to high grade lesions or microinvasive cervical carcinomas, histologically diagnosed in 2003, with possible extension backwards in time;
• Availability of recurrent cone specimen with high grade lesions/ microinvasive cervical carcinomas or invasive cervical cancer;
• Availability in designated local laboratories of the primary and recurrent cone specimens;
• The cone specimen was adequately preserved;
• Written informed consent obtained from the subject. If the subject is deceased, the cone and biopsy specimens will be used according to prior approval from the Ethics Committee.

Exclusion Criteria:

None.

Women aged 18 years and above registered in the Cancer Registry of Norway.