HPV cells (IMAGE) Sanford Burnham Prebys Caption HPV infection causes cells to undergo changes. If not treated these cells can, over time, become cancer cells. Credit National Cancer Institute Usage Restrictions Please credit National Cancer Institute License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.