Human Papilloma Virus associated Cancers: Diagnosis, Carcinogenesis, Epidemiology and Prevention

Abstract

Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV) are small non-enveloped viruses that can integrate with the host genome or persist as an episome to cause chronic infections. These viruses are widely prevalent and transmitted by direct skin or sexual contact. They typically cause asymptomatic infections or benign growth called papilloma but can also cause malignancies like cervical cancer, anogenital, oropharyngeal, head and neck cancers etc. Of these, cervical cancer, is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide in women, but in India it is the number one. This paper reviews the underlying virology, genomic features, transmission, epidemiology, pathogenesis, associated malignancies, detection, and prophylactic measures like vaccines. These cancers, however, can be prevented by creating awareness, timely vaccination, early diagnosis and regular screening.