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HPV human papillomavirus

By , About.com Guide

Updated December 30, 2004

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the world. More than 60 types of HPV have been identified. Some types of the virus cause common skin warts. About one-third of the HPV types are spread through sexual contact and live only in genital tissue. Low-risk types of HPV cause genital warts, the most recognizable sign of genital HPV infection. Other high-risk types of HPV cause cervical cancer and other genital cancers. There are usually no symptoms. Treatments include topical agents, cyrosurgery, laser therapy, electrocauterisation, and surgical removal.
Also Known As: genital warts, condydoma acuminata
Alternate Spellings: human papilloma virus
Common Misspellings: human pappiloma virus, human pappilloma virus
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