Possible Role Of Human Papilloma Virus In Oral Diseases- An Update

Abstract

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) has been an area of interest since last two decades because of its potential role in the pathogenesis of malignant tumors. Approximately 35 years ago a role of human papillomaviruses (HPV) in cervical cancer has been postulated. Today it is well established that this very heterogeneous virus family harbours important human carcinogens, causing not only the vast majority of cervical, but also a substantial proportion of other anogenital and head and neck cancers. This review will cover some of the pathogenetic aspects of papillomavirus research; it tries briefly to analyze the present state of linking HPV to human cancers and other oral lesions and will discuss some emerging developments.