Human Papillomavirus: A Comprehensive Review of Pathogenesis, Histopathology, Prevention, and Treatment

Abstract Human papillomavirus (HPV), Papillomaviridae family member, specifically targets mucosal and cutaneous epithelial tissues. With over 120 identified types, HPV-16 and HPV-18 have been typically associated with cervical cancer progression. Globally, HPV has been recognized as a major cause of cervical malignancies and warts in the genitals. The virus penetrates basal epithelial cells and introduces its episomal double-stranded DNA into the nucleus, initiating a controlled viral gene expression cascade. This process facilitates keratinocyte differentiation following basal cell division, ensuring viral replication. A subgroup of mucosal HPVs, termed “high-risk” types, is strongly linked to cervical pathogenesis. These are further classified into high- and low-grade categories based on lesion severity.