Related Terms • dysplasia • genital warts • squamous cell • carcinoma

Definition: A large group of viruses which are linked to abnormal cell growth in humans. They can cause a variety of warts, including common warts, plantar warts, and genital warts. Some types, especially HPV-16 and 18, are linked to dysplasias and cancers, primarily in squamous cells. The most common site of infection for this type is the uterine cervix, which can (but doesn't usually) lead to cervical dysplasia. If left untreated, cervical dysplasia can become cancerous (malignant). Other sites which can become infected with this type of HPV are the vulva, vagina, anus, and penis. More recently, HPV has been linked to cancers as diverse as skin, lung, eye, and esophagus.

HPV types 6 and 11 are most often associated with genital warts.

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