Recent concepts in human papillomavirus

The human papillomavirus (HPV) belongs to a small group of viruses which are known to cause tumors in humans. Not only do they cause benign papillomas, but they are also implicated in the pathogenesis of some malignancies. For this reason, it is important for both the practicing physicians and students to know about recent advances in the study of these viruses. The following is a review of the etiologic role of HPV in non-genital and genital warts, laryngeal papillomas, and their possible roles in several malignancies.