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. Mucosal human papillomaviruses can be grouped into high-risk HPV and low-risk HPV types. Low-risk HPV infections can cause warts on or around the genitals, anus, mouth, throat, larynx, or other areas of the respiratory tract. They rarely cause cancer, and most go away on their own without treatment. A long-lasting infection with a high-risk HPV type can cause cancers of the cervix, anus, oropharynx, vagina, vulva, and penis. Also called mucosal HPV.