| Human papillomavirus infection | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Human papillomavirus |
 | |
| The major capsid protein L1 of HPV 11 | |
| Medical specialty | Infectious disease, gynecology, oncology |
| Symptoms | None, warts |
| Complications | Cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, mouth, tonsils, or throat |
| Causes | Human papillomavirus spread by direct contact |
| Risk factors | Sexual contact |
| Prevention | HPV vaccines, condoms |
| Frequency | Most people are infected at some point in time[clarification needed] |
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can infect the skin or mucous membranes (like the genitals, or inside the mouth) of humans. They cause warts. Some of them may cause cancer. There are over 100 different virus types in this group. About 40 virus types can be transmitted sexually. About 12-15 can cause cancer.
Most cases of HPV can be prevented by a vaccine, which also would stop the HPV from causing cancer. Most cases of cervical, oral and throat cancer are caused by HPV. The HPV immunisation programme has almost fully stopped cervical cancer happening in women born in England since September 1995. Prophylaxis (prevention) of HPV by vaccine is done with the HPV vaccine.
A first step in treatment is the use of salicylic acid.[verification needed] This is available in pharmacies, usually without a prescription. If this does not help, the wart can be frozen and destroyed or a laser can be used to destroy it. If this still does not help, different methods of chemotherapy can be used.
