mucosal HPV

A group of human papillomaviruses (HPV) that can infect the cells on the moist surfaces or inner lining of some organs and body cavities, such as the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, mouth, and throat. Mucosal HPVs can be grouped into high-risk HPV and low-risk HPV types. Low-risk HPV infections can cause warts on or around the genitals, anus, mouth, larynx, or other parts of the respiratory tract but rarely cause cancer. A long-lasting infection with a high-risk HPV type 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 HPV is transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, most often during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Also called mucosal human papillomavirus.