Since the last century, epidemiological studies of cervical carcinoma have shown a close link with sexual activity and in particular with promiscuity starting at an early age. Aetiological research has therefore concentrated on identifying sexually transmitted pathogens. In recent years studies have focused on the apparently significant role of HSV and particularly HPV in the aetiopathogenesis of this tumour. After the first cytohistological findings the HPV-cervical cancer link has been confirmed by electron microscopy, immunohistochemical studies and hybridisation of viral DNA. The identification of different HPV types presenting varying degrees of oncogenic risk offers the prospect of reaching a reliable prognosis on the basis of the particular virus identified in the lesion. The hypothesis that the virus has a decisive influence on the biology of th tumour is also intriguing: findings on the incidence and course of cervical cancer in the youngest women seems to suggest tha HPV may be a fundamental tumour growth factor.