Papillomavirus
Papillomavirus
Papillomavirus (pronunciation: /ˌpapɪˈloʊməˌvaɪrəs/) is a type of virus that belongs to the family Papillomaviridae.
Etymology
The term "Papillomavirus" is derived from the Latin papilla meaning "nipple" and the Greek virus meaning "poison". It refers to the characteristic papillomas (warts) that some papillomaviruses can cause.
Definition
Papillomaviruses are a diverse group of DNA-based viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes of humans and a variety of animals. Over 200 types of human papillomaviruses (HPV) have been identified, some of which are associated with various types of cancer, including cervical cancer, anal cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer.
Related Terms
- DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information.
- Virus: A small infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism.
- Cervical Cancer: A type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
- Anal Cancer: A rare type of cancer that occurs in the anal canal.
- Oropharyngeal Cancer: A type of cancer that occurs in the oropharynx, the middle part of the throat.
- Papilloma: A benign, noncancerous tumor that grows in the epithelial layer of skin or mucous membranes.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Papillomavirus
- Wikipedia's article - Papillomavirus
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