HPV

A group of more than 200 common viruses. Some HPVs, called cutaneous HPVs, are transmitted by casual contact and can infect the skin and cause common skin warts. Other HPVs, known as mucosal HPVs, can infect the moist surfaces or inner lining of some organs and body cavities, such as the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, mouth, and throat. Infection with some mucosal HPVs (collectively known as low-risk HPVs) can cause warts in or around the genitals, anus, mouth, and respiratory tract but rarely cause cancer. Long-lasting infection with other mucosal HPVs (collectively known as high-risk HPVs) can cause cell changes that become cancer over time if not found and removed. HPV-related cancers include cancers of the cervix, anus, oropharynx, vagina, vulva, and penis. Mucosal HPVs are transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, most often during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Also called human papillomavirus.