The main findings of this prospective study were: HPV DNA identified in 95% of all cases; a high rate (86%) of high-risk HPV detected in benign as well as in malignant lesions; high burden of cervical cancer; HPV 16 DNA integration in all except one case of cancer; p53 gene changes in CIN III; and invasive cancer cases associated with DNA integration. The gene discussed is TP53; the disease is cervical cancer.