Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: VPH
HPV
A type of virus that can cause abnormal tissue growth (for example, warts) and other changes to cells. Infection for a long time with certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. HPV can also play a role in some other types of cancer, such as anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. Also called human papillomavirus.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.