Overview

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a large family of DNA viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes of humans. More than 100 distinct HPV types have been identified. Most infections cause no symptoms and are cleared by the immune system, but some types produce visible benign growths called warts, while a subset—known as high‑risk or oncogenic types—can persist and lead to precancerous lesions and invasive cancer.

Characteristics and types

HPV types are often grouped by the tissues they infect and the disease risk they carry. About 40 types infect the anogenital tract and can be sexually transmitted; roughly 12–15 of those are classed as high‑risk for causing cancer. Well known high‑risk types include HPV‑16 and HPV‑18, which are responsible for a large share of HPV‑related malignancies. Other types tend to cause common skin warts or plantar warts. Infection can affect the external genitalia, the cervix, the oral cavity and the oropharynx (inside the mouth and throat), among other sites.

Transmission and natural history

HPV spreads primarily through direct skin‑to‑skin contact. Sexual contact is the main route for anogenital and oral infections, but any contact between infected and susceptible epithelium can transmit the virus. Condoms reduce but do not completely eliminate transmission because HPV may infect areas not covered by a condom. In most people the immune response clears HPV within months to a couple of years; persistent infection with high‑risk types is the key factor that can progress to precancerous changes and cancer over many years.

Clinical manifestations and diagnosis

Clinical outcomes vary by HPV type and site of infection. Typical manifestations include:

  • Common warts on hands and feet, and genital warts in the anogenital region.
  • Precancerous lesions of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus or oropharynx.
  • Invasive cancers, most notably cervical cancer, and an increasing proportion of oropharyngeal cancers.

Screening programs—such as cytologic testing (Pap smears) and HPV DNA tests for cervical disease—detect abnormalities early so they can be monitored or treated before progression. Diagnosis of warts is usually clinical, though laboratory typing is available when needed.

Prevention

Primary prevention focuses on vaccination and safer sexual practices. Licensed prophylactic HPV vaccines protect against the most common high‑risk types and the types that cause most genital warts; they are most effective when given before first exposure to the virus. Secondary prevention includes organized cervical screening for early detection of precancerous changes in the cervix (cervical screening).

Treatment

Treatment depends on the lesion type and location. For external warts, first‑line, over‑the‑counter options include topical agents such as salicylic acid, which is widely sold in pharmacies. Clinically resistant warts may be treated by professional methods: cryotherapy (freezing), surgical removal, electrosurgery, or ablation with a laser. Persistent or high‑grade precancerous cervical lesions are managed by excisional or ablative procedures to remove abnormal tissue; more advanced cancers require oncologic treatment, which can include radiation, surgery and systemic therapies. In specialized settings, topical immunomodulators and other medical treatments are also used; when cancer requires systemic control, various forms of chemotherapy may be part of care.

Public health and notable facts

HPV is one of the most common human viral infections and a major, preventable cause of cancer worldwide. Vaccination programs and screening have substantially reduced precancerous disease in populations with high coverage. Education, vaccination of adolescents, and continued screening remain central strategies for lowering the burden of HPV‑associated disease. For further background and clinical guidance, consult public health resources and professional medical sources provided by health authorities and specialists (virus overview, vaccine information).