Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is an epitheliotropic virus with an affinity for keratinocytes and they are primarily found in the anogenital tract, urethra, skin, larynx and oral mucosa. Recent epidemiological evidence suggests that HPV may also be an independent risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer. The common mode of transmission of HPV is consequent to sexual activity, and or via mother to child, fomites and through skin contact.  It can even act as primary oncogenic agent for inducing carcinogenesis in nonsmokers. HPV causes epithelial proliferation characterized by epithelial thickening, keratohyaline granules, acanthosis along with nuclear atypia,hyperchromasia, and double nucleation of superficial and intermediate cells being hallmark of productive HPV infection. The aim of this review is to highlight the genomic structure and possible mechanism of infection and carcinogenesis of HPV in oral mucosa. Emphasis has been laid to review the frequency of HPV prevalence in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
Key words:Human papilloma virus, squamous cell carcinoma, carcinogenesis.