Papilloma virus, human (HPV)

Papilloma virus, human (HPV): A family of over 60 viruses responsible forcausing warts. The majority of the viruses produce warts on the hands, fingers, and even the face. Most of these viruses are innocuous, causing nothing more than cosmetic concerns. Several types of HPV are confined primarily to the moist skin of the genitals, producing genital warts and elevating the risk for cancer of the cervix. These viruses that cause wartlike  growths on the genitals and contrribute to cancer of the cervix are sexually transmitted.