Definition

A group of sexually transmitted human papillomaviruses (HPV) that infect the cells on the moist surfaces or inner lining of some organs and body cavities, such as the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, mouth, and throat. Low-risk HPV infections can cause warts on or around the genitals, anus, mouth, and throat. They can also cause warts on the larynx or other areas of the respiratory tract. Low-risk HPV infections rarely cause cancer, and most go away on their own without treatment. There are many types of low-risk HPV, but HPV types 6 and 11 cause almost all cases of genital warts. Also called low-risk human papillomavirus.