Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a species-specific non-enveloped double stranded DNA  virus resistant to heat and desiccation which may cause cervical cancer, anal cancer, cutaneous warts, mucosal warts, genital condylomata, and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. The replication of HPV is linked to epithelial differentiation. Most HPV infections typically resolve within 12 months, while persistent infections increase the risk of precancerous or cancerous lesions. Different HPV types have a propensity to infect different body sites and are associated with various diseases. Different types of HPV are associated to specific cutaneous and mucosal manifestations and certain types have a known association to squamous cell carcinoma and Bowen’s disease, with HPV 16 being the most common one.

In this learning module, you will find a key point review on conditions associated with HPV focused on epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, pathology, differential diagnosis and management. To test your knowledge, we refer you to the associated Quiz (short answer format questions) and clinical vignettes simulating OSCE examinations. We hope you find this module useful and if you choose to submit new questions or vignettes to increase the content of this module or post comments on how we can improve this module for your learning, we look forward to them.

Select how you would like to proceed below:

1. Bolognia, J., Cerroni, L., & Schaffer, J. V. (2018). Dermatology. Philadelphia: Elsevier.

2. Belmesk, L., Litvinov, I. V., & Netchiporouk, E. (2020). SB206, a New Topical Nitric Oxide-Releasing Drug on the Horizon for the Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum and External Anogenital Warts. Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery, 24(4), 412-413.