Papillomavirus Infections in Human Pathology

Papillomavirus Infections in Human Pathology Kari Syrjänen, Department of Pathology, University of Siena, Italy Stina Syrjänen, Department of Oral Pathology, University of Turku, Finland Papillomaviruses remain at the forefront of both basic and applied cancer research because of their ubiquitous and predominantly benign character, which contrasts with their well-established potential for inducing malignant tumours, particularly, but not exclusively, in the genital tract. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections continue to be the subject of debate regarding their diagnosis and treatment as well as the value of including viral testing as an adjunct to conventional cytology-based organized screening programs. Kari and Stina Syrjänen have been pursuing their studies on a wide range of HPV-induced diseases since the late 1970's. In this book, they have pooled their long-term experience to create a comprehensive and unified picture of the state of knowledge of papillomaviruses at the dawn of the twenty-first century. The book covers all aspects of human papillomaviruses from molecular biology and pathogenesis of HPV-associated diseases, as well as natural history and epidemiology, to a detailed study of the role of these viruses as potential etiological agents of a wide spectrum of both benign and malignant human tumours. While the main focus of this volume is on HPV infections of the genital tract,lesions of the skin,respiratory tract, the digestive system, the urinary tract and the eye are also covered in detail. A separate chapter is devoted to controversial topics. For each of these areas, the authors review the existing evidence on HPV involvement, based on both molecular biological, epidemiological and clinical studies. The modes of viral transmission as well as the potential for maligant transformation are critically assessed in all these areas. The book is abundantly illustrated and a separate chapter on histopathology, cytology and other diagnostic techniques provides valuable practical information. This book is the most up-to-date and comprehensive reference source on papillomavirus-associated human pathology available today. It will find a prominent place on the bookshelves of both clinicians and researchers working in the fields of gynecology, pathology, sexually transmitted diseases, genito-urinary medicine,oncology,dermatology, otorhinolaryngology and cancer epidemiology.Syrjänen, Kari J. is the author of 'Papillomavirus Infections in Human Pathology' with ISBN 9780471971689 and ISBN 0471971685.