Human papillomavirus infection

An infection caused by a human papillomavirus (HPV), a group of viruses that infect skin and mucosal cells. Some types cause warts, while persistent infection with certain types can cause cancer.

Human papillomavirus: A large family of DNA viruses that infect epithelial cells in humans and other primates. These viruses cause the infection and differ in the tissues and diseases they affect.
HPV vaccine: A vaccine that prevents infection by HPV types responsible for most HPV-related cancers and genital warts. Vaccination prevents many infections before exposure and reduces later disease.
High-risk human papillomavirus: HPV types associated with precancerous lesions and cancers, especially when infection persists. These types drive most HPV-related cancers, unlike wart-associated low-risk types.
Oropharyngeal cancer: Cancer of the tonsils, base of the tongue, or related throat structures; some cases are caused by HPV. HPV can cause cancers beyond the genital tract, including in the oropharynx.
Epithelial tissue: Cell layers that cover body surfaces and line organs and cavities. HPV infects epithelial cells in skin and mucosal surfaces.
HPV testing: Laboratory testing that detects high-risk HPV in cervical or other clinical specimens. Testing can identify cervical cancer risk before symptoms or visible disease develop.
Low-risk human papillomavirus: HPV types that can cause genital warts but are not usually associated with cancer. They illustrate that HPV infection does not necessarily carry the same cancer risk.
Anal cancer: Cancer arising in the anal canal or surrounding tissues, with many cases linked to HPV. Persistent HPV infection is a major cause of this less widely known cancer.
HPV life cycle: The sequence by which HPV enters epithelial cells, copies its genome, and produces new virus particles. The life cycle explains how infection develops as infected epithelium matures.
Cervical cancer screening: Testing to detect cervical precancers or cancer in people without symptoms. Screening uses HPV testing and cervical cell assessment to find treatable changes.

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