Prevention is the Cure: The Impact of Henrietta Lacks & Learning to Protect Your Cervical Health
Dermatologists treat skin cancer, but dermatology also began as the study of sexually transmitted diseases. Learn how a skin exam can catch HPV-related genital warts early and protect cervical health.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikki D. Hill, MD, FAAD. Last updated: October 2026.
Dermatology and cervical cancer:
It is common knowledge that dermatologists treat skin cancer. It is not so common knowledge that dermatology began as the study of venereology, the study of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A normal dermatology visit may include diagnosing and managing eczema, skin cancer, and genital warts, a type of STD. One STD, in particular, genital warts, can be identified through a skin examination. Genital warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a type of virus with strains known to cause cervical cancer. A common complaint is that of a smooth, velvety, skin-colored bump near the groin. If a patient is diagnosed with genital warts, a biopsy can help to identify the specific strain. If the patient is a man, a discussion of notifying his partner(s) is initiated. If the patient is a woman, we discuss the importance of following up with their gynecologist to have a PAP smear performed. If a woman has HPV warts that are external and visible, there should always be a concern HPV lesions may be internal, particularly on the cervix, which in time can lead to cervical cancer. In essence, dermatologists can help identify and treat early external lesions that have the potential to lead to cervical cancer in the future.
Knowing your body is important. Understanding what is normal in order to know what is abnormal for you is a key milestone to diagnosing any condition. This inherent questioning is what drives individuals to seek help from medical doctors who will continue to investigate the changes. Dr. Nikki Hill is a Board-certified Dermatologist who is trained to identify and treat STDs. As part of medical dermatology care, she is skilled in diagnosing and managing external genital warts and advising through various treatment options. Dr. Hill believes a comprehensive approach is optimum for all patient care and if there is a gynecologist, otolaryngologist, proctologist, or other specialists you would like Dr. Hill to collaborate with, she would gladly welcome the expansion of your treatment team.
The story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cervical cancer cells became the HeLa cell line used in research worldwide, is a lasting reminder of why cervical health screening and early follow-up matter.
Questions about HPV and cervical health? Schedule a visit at SOCAH Center in Atlanta, GA, or call (404) 474-2301.
