A
virus that is the cause of warts of the hands and feet, as well as lesions of the mucous membranes of the oral, anal and genital cavities. More than 50 types of HPV have been identified, some of which are associated with cancerous and precancerous conditions. The
virus can be transmitted through sexual contact and is a precursor to cancer of the
cervix. There is no specific cure for an HPV
infection, but the
virus often can be controlled by podophyllin (medicine derived from the roots of the plant Podophyllum peltatum) or
interferon, and the warts can be removed by cryosurgery, laser treatment or conventional surgery. See also
Cervical Cancer;
Condyloma.