Human papilloma virus

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a double-helix DNA virus in the papillomaviridae family. HPV has an affinity for epithelial tissue and causes benign and malignant changes to the stratified epithelium of the epidermis and mucous membranes. HPV is an etiological factor in many benign and malignant lesions of the head, neck, urogenital organs, skin, and mucous membranes. The role of HPV in the pathogenicity of squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck area was first recognised in 1983 after findings showed histopathologic similarities between oral cancer and HPV infection. Because HPV has been implicated as the etiological factor for oral squamous cell carcinoma, HPV infection can be regarded as a subgroup of cancers affecting the oropharyngeal region. Due to these characteristics, HPV infection has been of particular interest in the field of maxillofacial surgery and dentistry. Screening, oral findings, early diagnosis, and proper treatment are of paramount importance in many HPV-related infections.