HPV-edia: The Human Papillomavirus Dictionary

This is our dedicated page to the HPV Glossary. Here you will find clear and concise information about key terms related to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Browsing through this dictionary will provide you with a solid understanding of essential concepts about HPV.

Cellular Atypia: Abnormal cellular changes observed in cytological tests.

Cervical Cancer: A type of cancer that develops in the cells of the cervix, often associated with high-risk HPV infection.

• Cervix: The lower part of the uterus projecting into the vagina. It is one of the most common areas affected by HPV infection.

Carcinogenicity: The ability of certain types of HPV to cause cancer.

Squamous Cells: Type of cells that cover the surface of the cervix and other areas affected by HPV. Squamous cells can undergo abnormal changes due to HPV infection.

Condyloma Acuminatum: Also known as genital warts, these are soft, fleshy growths that can appear in genital and anal areas due to certain types of HPV.

Persistent HPV Infection: When the virus remains in the body for an extended period, increasing the risk of developing abnormal cellular changes and cancer.

Lesion: Abnormal changes in cells caused by persistent infection with certain types of HPV.

• High-Grade Lesion: More pronounced and potentially precancerous cellular changes that can occur in the cervix due to persistent HPV infection.
• Low-Grade Lesion: Mild cellular changes that can appear in the cervix due to HPV infection. Often, these lesions disappear on their own, but sometimes they may require treatment.

Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN): Precancerous lesions in the cervix that can be caused by persistent HPV infection.

Detection Tests: Examinations such as Pap smear and HPV tests to identify infections and precancerous lesions.

• Colposcopy: Visual examination of the cervix and surrounding tissues to detect abnormal changes.
• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): A laboratory technique used to detect and amplify HPV viral DNA, allowing the identification of specific types.
• Papanicolaou (Pap) Test: A screening test that analyzes cervical cells to identify abnormal cellular changes caused by HPV, which may indicate a higher risk of cancer.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test: Detection of the presence of the virus in cytological or molecular tests.

Immune System: Body’s defense network, crucial in the prevention and control of HPV infections.

Vertical Transmission: The transmission of HPV from mother to child during childbirth. It is possible but uncommon.

HPV Vaccine: Immunization designed to prevent infection with certain types of HPV, including those associated with cervical cancer and genital warts.

• Vaccination Rate: Percentage of the population that has received the HPV vaccine as a preventive measure.

High-Risk Virus: Types of HPV associated with a higher risk of developing cancer.

Low-Risk Virus: Types of HPV that cause warts but have a low risk of cancer.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A group of viruses that affect the skin and mucous membranes, mainly in genital and oral areas. There are more than 100 types of HPV, some of which can cause warts, and others are related to cancer.

• Papillomavirus: Another name for Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
• Papillomaviridae Family Virus: Group of viruses that includes HPV.

HPV Detection Tests

Acetic Acid: Substance used in detection tests to highlight cervical changes.

DNA and RNA: Ribonucleic acid (RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA): two types of nucleic acids present in cells that play crucial roles in genetic information and protein synthesis.

• Hybrid Tests: Methods that combine DNA and RNA techniques to detect HPV.

Viral DNA: HPV’s genetic material detected in molecular tests.

• DNA Amplification: Technique that increases the quantity of viral genetic material for detection.
• DNA Collection: Method to detect the presence of HPV through cervical cell samples.
• DNA Profile: Specific genetic characteristics associated with the presence of HPV.
• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): DNA amplification method used to detect HPV.
• Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR): PCR technique that allows real-time quantification.
• HPV DNA Test: Molecular test to detect the presence of HPV genetic material.

RNA Detection: Test that identifies the presence of active viral genetic material.

Cervix or Cervix Uteri: Lower and narrow part of the uterus projecting into the vagina.

• Cervical Biopsy: Sampling of tissue from the cervix to evaluate cellular changes.
• Endocervical Brushing: Sampling of cells from the cervical canal for analysis.
• Cervical Orifice Examination: Visual assessment of the entrance of the cervix.
• Endocervical Sample: Collects cells from the cervical canal to evaluate cellular changes.

Birth Canal: Passage route for the baby during childbirth, where mother-to-child transmission of HPV can occur.

Colposcopy: Visual examination of the cervix and surrounding tissues to detect abnormal changes.

• Follow-up Colposcopy: Visual examination to assess cervical changes after treatment.

Cystoscopy: Examination of the urinary tract that can detect genital warts caused by HPV.

Cytological: Relating to cytology, especially in tests to detect HPV.

• Cytological Analysis: Microscopic examination of cells to detect changes associated with HPV infection.
• Cervical Cytology (or Papanicolaou Test): Common procedure in which cervical cells are examined for possible abnormalities, precancerous changes, or cancer cells.
• Cytolysis: Rupture of cells during sample collection, which can affect result interpretation.

Coilocytes: Cervical cells with distinctive features observed in HPV infections.

Cell Concentration: Technique to increase the quantity of cells in a sample before testing.

Molecular Confirmation: Use of molecular techniques to verify the presence of HPV.

Screening: Regular detection tests to identify infections or precancerous lesions.

Specificity: The capacity of a test to identify true negatives.

Histological Examination: Microscopic analysis of tissue to evaluate cellular changes associated with HPV.

Cellular Exfoliation: Process of releasing abnormal cells in sample collection.

Smear: Microscopic sample of cells or substances taken and placed on a surface, such as a glass slide, for further examination under the microscope.

• Cervical Smear: Spread of cervical cells on a slide for analysis.
• Vaginal Smear: Sample of vaginal cells taken to detect changes related to HPV.

Nucleic Acid Hybridization (NAH): Detection method that uses probes.

Immunohistochemistry: Technique to identify specific proteins in tissue samples.

Detection Limit: The smallest amount of virus that a test can identify.

Fluorescence Microscope: Used to study cells marked with fluorochromes in cytological tests.

Light Microscope: Used in identifying cellular changes associated with HPV.

Electron Microscope: Used to examine the detailed structure of HPV viral particles.

Infection Persistence: Continuous presence of HPV in successive tests.

Amplification Tests: Techniques to increase the amount of genetic material before HPV detection.

Pooling Tests: Grouping samples before detection, increases efficiency.

Test Performance: Capacity of a test to detect true positives and negatives.

Sensitivity: Capacity of a test to identify true positives.

Hybridization Probe: Molecular marker used to identify specific DNA or RNA sequences.

Southern Blot Technique: Method to identify specific DNA sequences in HPV tests.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test: Detection of the virus’s presence in cytological or molecular tests.

Bimanual Examination: Manual assessment of the uterus and ovaries to detect changes related to HPV.

Lesion Visualization: Use of visual techniques to assess cellular changes in the cervix.

Cellular Atypia: Abnormal cellular changes observed in cytological tests.

• Mild Atypia: Presence of slightly abnormal cells in cytological results.
• Moderate Atypia: More pronounced cellular changes than mild atypia in cytological tests.
• Severe Atypia: Significant cellular changes that may indicate precancerous lesions.

Infection Outbreak: Temporary increase in detectable viral load in tests.

Viral Load: Quantity of virus present in the body, a relevant factor in infection progression.

• Low Viral Load: Limited presence of viral particles, may influence transmission and persistence.

Atypical Squamous Cells: Anomalies observed in epithelial cells, often related to HPV.

Post-Treatment Detection: Follow-up tests to assess treatment effectiveness.

Early Detection: Regular screening and periodic exams to identify and treat HPV infections and precancerous lesions early.

Early Detection: Early identification of infections or cellular changes associated with HPV.

Dysplasia: Abnormal cellular changes that can progress to cancer if untreated.

• Cervical Dysplasia: Abnormal cellular changes in the cervix, detected in cytological tests.
• Recurrent Dysplasia: Return of abnormal cellular changes after treatment.

Cervical Epithelium: Tissue lining the cervix, susceptible to changes due to HPV infection.

False Negative: Incorrect result indicating the absence of HPV when it is present.

False Positive: Incorrect result indicating the presence of HPV when it is not present.

Genotype: Specific variant of the virus, identified through molecular tests.

HPV Infection: Presence and multiplication of the virus in the body, in skin cells and mucous membranes, especially in genital and oral areas.

• Anogenital Infection: Affects the genital and anal area, common in sexually transmitted HPV infections.
• Asymptomatic Infection: Many infected individuals do not show obvious symptoms.
• Cutaneous Infection: Affects the skin, resulting in common or plantar warts.
• Disseminated Infection: Spread of infection to extensive areas of the body.
• Latent Infection: Presence of the virus without obvious symptoms, highlighting the importance of prevention.
• Persistent Infection: Continuous presence of HPV in the body, a risk factor for cancer development.
• Reactivated Infection: Reactivation of latent HPV infection, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Immunocytochemistry: Use of antibodies to identify antigens associated with HPV.

Immunocompromised: Individual with a weakened immune system, more prone to persistent HPV infections.

Lesion: Abnormal changes in cells caused by persistent infection with certain types of HPV.

• Lesion Evaluation: Detailed analysis of abnormalities found in cytological tests.
• Cervical Intraepithelial Lesion: Abnormal changes in cervical cells, often caused by HPV infection.
• Anogenital Lesions: Affect the genital and anal area, common in sexually transmitted HPV infections.
• High-Grade Lesions: Severe cellular changes that may indicate a higher risk of cancer.
• Low-Grade Lesions: Mild cellular changes associated with HPV infection.
• Bowenoid Lesions: Abnormalities in the skin or mucous membranes related to high-risk HPV.
• Chronic Lesions: Long-lasting changes in cells caused by persistent HPV infections.
• Invasive Lesions: Cellular changes that penetrate deeper tissues, related to HPV.
• Perianal Lesions: Abnormalities in the area around the anus, sometimes associated with HPV.
• Persistent Lesions: Cellular changes that persist after treatment.
• Flat Lesions: Areas affected by HPV that do not form visible bumps.
• Precancerous Lesions: Abnormalities that can progress to cancer, related to HPV.
• Recurrent Lesions: Return of lesions after treatment, sometimes observed in HPV infections.
• Vulvar Lesions: Abnormalities in the female genital skin, associated with HPV.

Epigenetic Modification: Changes in gene activity related to HPV.

Molluscum Contagiosum: Viral skin infection that may be associated with HPV.

Genital Mucosa: Tissue in the genitals, commonly affected by HPV.

Oral Mucosa: Mucous membrane in the mouth, susceptible to HPV infections.

Viral Mutation: Changes in the genetic material of HPV that can affect its behavior.

HPV Negativity: Absence of detected virus in molecular tests.

Neoplasia: Abnormal tissue formation, often associated with tumor growth.

Papanicolaou (Pap) Test: Screening for abnormal cervical cells, essential in preventing cervical cancer.

• Atypical Pap: Cytological test result indicating mild cellular changes.
• Pap Cotest: Combined use of cytology and HPV tests.
• Follow-up Pap Test: Cytological test after treatment to assess the presence of abnormal cells.
• Negative Pap Test: Cytological test result indicating the absence of abnormal cells.
• Normal Pap Test: Cytological result without evidence of abnormal changes.
• Positive Pap Test: Cytological test result indicating the presence of abnormal cells.

Papilloma: Benign tumor of mucous membranes caused by HPV.

• Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis: Rare disease caused by HPV affecting the respiratory tract.

Cell Proliferation: Abnormal increase in the number of cells, indicative of HPV infection.

Infection Reactivation: Recurrence of infection after a latent period.

HPV Subtypes: Specific variants of the virus identified in molecular tests.

• Oncogenic Types: HPV variants with a higher risk of causing cancer.
• HPV Typing: Identification of specific HPV types present in a sample.

Promoter Region: DNA sequence that controls viral gene activation, relevant in HPV replication.

Bethesda System: A classification system for cytopathological reports, providing uniform terminology and categories to describe cervical lesions.

• ASC-US Category (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance): Indicates the presence of squamous cells with mild changes, suggesting possible viral infections such as HPV.
• ASC-H Category (Atypical Squamous Cells of High Grade): Indicates the presence of squamous cells with more pronounced changes, suggesting a higher risk of precancerous lesions.
• LSIL Category (Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion): Refers to mild cellular changes, indicating a low-risk HPV infection and a low probability of progression to cancer.
• HSIL Category (High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion): Refers to more severe cellular changes, indicating a higher risk of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer.

CIN (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia) Classification: A system that classifies cervical lesions according to their severity, from CIN1 (mild) to CIN3 (severe or carcinoma in situ).

• CIN1 (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade 1): Mild lesions that usually regress spontaneously but are monitored for possible changes.
• CIN2 (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade 2): Moderate lesions with a significant risk of progressing to more severe forms of cervical neoplasia.
• CIN3 (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade 3): Severe lesions indicating significant precancerous changes and a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.

Neoplasia: Abnormal tissue formation that can be benign or a precursor to cancer.

Adenocarcinoma: A type of cancer that originates in glandular cells, less common but associated with HPV.

Anal Cancer: Malignant formation in the anal canal, sometimes linked to HPV.

Cervical Cancer: Malignant development in the cervix, often caused by persistent HPV infections.

Head and Neck Cancer: Cancers affecting various areas of the head and neck, sometimes linked to HPV.

Oral and Throat Cancer: Forms of oral and throat cancer associated with HPV infections, especially HPV-16.

Penile Cancer: Malignant development in the male organ, sometimes linked to certain types of HPV.

Testicular Cancer: Rare testicular cancer that may have links to HPV.

Vaginal Cancer: Malignant formation in the vagina, associated with HPV infections.

Vulvar Cancer: Malignant development in the vulva, related to certain types of HPV.

Carcinoma: A type of cancer that originates in epithelial cells.

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A common type of cancer that originates in squamous cells, can affect different areas of the body.
• Carcinoma In Situ: An early stage of cancer where abnormal cells are present only in the superficial layer of tissue.

Precancerous Cells: Cells with abnormal changes that have the potential to become cancerous.

Precancerous Lesions: Cellular anomalies indicating an increased risk of developing cancer.

Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN): Abnormal cellular changes that can be precancerous.

Viral Oncoproteins: Proteins associated with the development of cancer in HPV infections.

Oncogenesis: The process of cancer development influenced by persistent HPV infection.

Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP): A rare disease related to HPV infections in the respiratory tract.

Oncogenic Types: HPV variants that have a higher risk of causing cancer.

• High-Risk Oncogenic Viruses: HPV types associated with a higher risk of cancer.
• Low-Risk Oncogenic Viruses: HPV variants with a relatively low risk of causing cancer.

Malignant Tumor: A mass of cancerous cells that can invade surrounding tissues and spread.

HPV-16 and HPV-18: Specific types of HPV associated with a higher risk of cervical cancer and other cancers.

Condylomas: Benign tumors caused by HPV, also known as genital warts.

• Condyloma Acuminatum: Another name for genital warts, growths caused by certain types of HPV.

Epithelium: Tissue that lines the skin and mucous membranes, where warts develop.

Exophytic: Warts that grow outward from the surface of the skin or mucous membrane.

Hyperkeratosis: Thickening of the outer layer of the skin that can occur in warts.

Cutaneous Infection: Presence of HPV on the skin that can lead to common warts.

Mucosal Infection: Presence of HPV on mucous membranes, which can cause genital warts.

Natural Immunity: The ability of the immune system to fight and control HPV infections.

Genital Mucosa: Moist tissue that lines the vagina, cervix, and other genital areas.

Papilloma: Lesion on the skin or mucous membrane caused by the abnormal growth of cells.

• Inverted Papilloma: A type of wart that grows inward instead of outward.
• Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP): A rare disease where warts form in the respiratory tract.

Surgical Procedures: Direct manipulation of body tissues and structures through incisions.

• Ablation: Process that removes warts through interventions involving the destruction or removal of tissue.
• Cryotherapy: Involves the application of liquid nitrogen to the wart.
• Cauterization: Method that uses heat to eliminate warts, often applied using lasers or electrofulguration.
  • Electrofulguration: Method that uses electric current to eliminate warts.
  • Laser: Use of laser light to destroy cells in warts.
• Excisional Surgery: Procedure that surgically removes larger or persistent warts.
• CO2 Laser Vaporization: Use of a carbon dioxide laser to vaporize warts.

Keratin: Protein that forms the outer layer of the skin and can accumulate in warts.

Drug Resistance: Development of tolerance to certain topical treatments.

Immune System: Body’s defense network against infections, including HPV infection.

Combined Treatment: Use of multiple treatment approaches to enhance effectiveness.

Topical Treatment: Application of medications directly on warts.

• Keratolytic Agents: Substances that break down and remove layers of cells in warts, facilitating their shedding.
• Salicylic Acid: Substance used in topical treatments to eliminate warts through exfoliation.
• Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA): A caustic agent that destroys skin cells.
• Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid: Have keratolytic properties and can be used in topical formulations to aid in skin exfoliation.
• Imiquimod: Topical medication that stimulates the immune response to combat warts.
• Nitrofurazone: Antimicrobial agent used in some formulations for wart treatment.
• Podophyllin Lotion: Chemical substance applied to eliminate warts, especially genital warts.
• Topical Retinoids: Vitamin A-derived medications, sometimes used in wart treatment.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Sometimes used as a home remedy for treating warts.
• Verrucicides: Substances that destroy warts, often present in topical treatments.

Common Warts: Benign skin bumps caused by low-risk HPV types.

Filiform Warts: Elongated, fine growths, often in facial areas.

Nail Warts: Growths around or under the nails on the fingers.

Genital Warts: Growths in the genital area caused by high-risk HPV.

Palmar Warts: Growths on the palms of the hands.

Plantar Warts: Growths on the soles of the feet.

Flat Warts: Produce small elevations of the skin that are flattened.

HPV Subtypes: Specific virus variants associated with different types of warts.

• HPV-16 and HPV-18: Specific types of HPV associated with high-risk genital warts and cancer.
• HPV-6 and HPV-11: Specific types of HPV associated with low-risk genital warts.

Antibodies: Proteins produced by the immune system in response to vaccination that help prevent HPV infection.

Strains: Variants of HPV that the vaccine can address; for example, the vaccine may target high-risk strains such as HPV-16 and HPV-18.

Booster Dose: Additional administration of the vaccine after the initial series to strengthen long-term immunity.

Side Effects: Unwanted responses or temporary symptoms that may occur after vaccination, such as pain at the injection site or mild fever.

Vaccine Efficacy: Percentage of protection provided by the vaccine against HPV infection.

Vaccination Schedule: Specific program of doses and timing for vaccine administration, usually in a series of injections.

Herd Immunity: Indirect protection of unvaccinated individuals in a population where the majority is vaccinated.

Immunization: Process of inducing immunity by administering a vaccine.

Baseline: Immunological state before vaccination.

Persistence of Antibodies: Maintenance of adequate antibody levels in the body for ongoing protection.

Prophylaxis: Preventive measures, such as vaccination, to avoid HPV infection.

Adverse Reactions: More severe unwanted responses or long-term side effects of vaccination.

Immunologic Memory: The immune system’s ability to remember and respond quickly to a previously encountered pathogen.

Vaccine Series: Total number of recommended doses for a complete vaccine, such as the typical three doses for the HPV vaccine.

Seroconversion: Development of detectable antibodies in the blood after vaccination.

Temporary Suspension: Temporary interruption of vaccine administration due to safety concerns.

Coverage Rate: Percentage of the target population that has received the vaccine.

Vertical Transmission: Passage of HPV from mother to child during childbirth, highlighting the importance of prenatal prevention.

Virus-Like Particle (VLP) Vaccine: Type of vaccine that uses particles resembling the virus’s structure but are not infectious.

Nonavalent Vaccine: Type of vaccine that protects against nine types of HPV, including HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-18, among others.

Quadrivalent Vaccine: Type of vaccine that protects against four types of HPV, including HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-18.

Knowledge about HPV is crucial for prevention, early detection, and effective management of related diseases. This glossary aims to empower individuals with information about HPV, its associated terms, and preventive measures. Stay informed, prioritize your health, and contribute to public awareness initiatives to create a world free from HPV-related diseases.