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BACKGROUND : The causal link between Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical neoplasia has been established through clinical, epidemiological and molecular studies during the last two decades. In 1995, HPV 16 and 18 were classified as human carcinogens. MATERIALS AND METHODS : This paper discusses the aetiological role of HPV infection in carcinomas of the anogenital region, the respiratory and the upper digestive tract on the basis of a literature search and the author's own research. RESULTS : Almost all patients with cervical carcinomas and precursor lesions are HPV-positive. HPV is a necessary, but not sufficient factor in carcinogenesis. Several risk factors such as other sexually transmitted diseases, sexual activity, smoking, immunosuppression and diet may be important. High prevalences of HPV-DNA have also been found in carcinomas of other anogenital regions; however, HPV does not seem to be important in prostate carcinogenesis. Recent studies have shown that HPV may be a risk factor in carcinogenesis in the respiratory and upper digestive tract, but its aetiological role has yet to be proved. INTERPRETATION : Therapeutic and prophylactic vaccination is now being developed. In a few years time they may influence the treatment and prophylaxis of cervical carcinomas, some of the most common cancers among women worldwide.

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