Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs)—A Review for Diagnosis and Vaccination

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a group of more than 150 related viruses. They are called papillomaviruses because some of them cause papillomas, which are more commonly known as warts. Some types of HPV only grow in skin, while others grow in mucous membranes such as the mouth, throat, or vagina. All types of HPV are spread by contact (touch). More than 40 types of HPV can be passed on through sexual contact. Most sexually active people are infected with one or more of these HPV types at some point in their lives. At least a dozen of these HPV types are known to cause cancer. While HPV infections are very common, cancer caused by HPV is not. Most people infected with HPV will not develop cancer-related to the infection. However, some people with long-lasting infections of high-risk HPV types are at risk of developing cancer. HPV infections of the mucous membranes can cause genital warts, but they usually have no symptoms. There are no effective medicines or other treatments for HPV, other than removing or destroying cells that are known to be infected. But in most people, the body’s immune system controls the HPV infection or gets rid of it over time. To learn more, see HPV and HPV Testing.