Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Papilomavirus humano
Human papillomavirus (HYOO-mun PA-pih-LOH-muh-VY-rus)
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 human papillomavirus can cause cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus can also play a role in some other types of cancer, such as anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. Also called HPV.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.