Human papillomavirus

Human papillomaviruses are DNA viruses that infect skin and mucous membranes. Some types cause warts, while persistent infection with certain types can cause cancer.

Epithelial tissue: Tissue made of cells that cover body surfaces and line organs and cavities. HPV infects epithelial cells in skin and mucous membranes.
HPV vaccine: A vaccine that prevents infection by selected human papillomavirus types associated with cancers and genital warts. Vaccination prevents many infections before exposure.
High-risk HPV: HPV types associated with precancerous lesions and cancers, especially of the cervix. Persistent infection by these types can cause several cancers.
HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer: Cancer of the oropharynx associated with infection by high-risk human papillomavirus, especially HPV16. It demonstrates that HPV-related cancer also occurs beyond the genital tract.
HPV life cycle: The sequence by which human papillomavirus infects epithelial cells, replicates its genome, and produces new virus particles. Viral replication follows the differentiation of infected epithelial cells.
Cervical cancer screening: Testing intended to detect cervical precancer or high-risk HPV infection before invasive cancer develops. Screening finds HPV-related cervical changes that can be treated.
Low-risk HPV: HPV types that commonly cause genital warts but are not typically associated with cancer. These types contrast with oncogenic HPV types in their usual outcomes.
Anal cancer: Cancer arising in the anal canal or margin, with many cases linked to persistent high-risk HPV. HPV is a major cause of this cancer.
E6 protein: An HPV protein that can promote cell survival by disrupting the p53 tumor-suppressor pathway. High-risk HPV E6 helps infected cells evade normal growth controls.
Pap test: A screening test that examines cervical cells for precancerous or cancerous changes. It detects cellular abnormalities that may follow persistent HPV infection.

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