Human Papilloma Virus
Definition
Human papilloma viruses (HPV) are a large group or related viruses, some of which play a part in the development of cervical epithelial cancers. HPV is also associated with skin cancer, oral and anal cancers.
Description
The family of human papilloma viruses includes a large number of genetically related viruses. Many of these cause warts, including the warts commonly found on the skin. Another group of HPV preferentially infect the mucosal surfaces of the genitals, including the penis, vagina, vulva, and cervix. These are spread sexually in adults. One group of HPV that infect the genitals causes soft warts, often designated condyloma acuminata. These genital warts are quite common and...
[The entire page is 1311 words long]
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