Human papillomaviruses (HPV)

• Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a group of more than 100 types of viruses (see Question 1).
• Most HPV infections go away on their own (see Questions 1, 4, and 5)
• HPVs are the major cause of cervical cancer. HPVs may also play a role in cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, and penis, and some cancers of the oropharynx (see Question 3).
• Although there is no cure for HPV infection, the warts and lesions these viruses cause can be treated (see Question 10).
• Researchers at the National Cancer Institute and elsewhere are conducting research on HPV-related cancers (see Question 11).
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Related Information.

Publications (available at http://www.cancer.gov/publications)

• National Cancer Institute Fact Sheet 3.79, Human Papillomavirus Vaccines: Questions and Answers
• National Cancer Institute Fact Sheet 5.16, The Pap Test: Questions and Answers
• Understanding Cervical Changes: A Health Guide for Women
• What You Need To Know About™ Cancer of the Cervix

	For information on the HPV vaccine, see HPV Vaccine Questions and Answers. Print Version High-Resolution Version for Professional Printing (1.8MB) Some files on this page require Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader. What is genital HPV infection? How common is HPV? How do people get genital HPV infections? What are the signs and symptoms of genital HPV infection? How is genital HPV infection diagnosed? Is there a cure for HPV? What is the connection between HPV infection and cervical cancer? How can people reduce their risk for genital HPV infection? Where can I get more information?