adj. describing a substance, organism, or environment that is known to be a causal factor in the production of a tumour. Some viruses are considered to be oncogenic; these include the *papovaviruses, the *retroviruses, certain *adenoviruses and *herpesviruses, and the *Epstein-Barr virus. See also carcinogen.
n. any substance that, when exposed to living tissue, may cause the production of cancer. Known carcinogens include ionizing radiation and many chemicals, e.g. those found in cigarette smoke and those produced in certain industries. They cause damage to the DNA of cells that may persist if the cell divides before the damage is repaired. Damaged cells may subsequently develop into a *cancer (see also carcinogenesis). An inherent susceptibility to cancer may be necessary for a carcinogen to promote the development of cancer. See also oncogenic. —carcinogenic adj.... carcinogen
n. a benign growth on the skin caused by infection with *human papillomavirus (a few of the many serotypes are *oncogenic). Common warts are firm horny papules, 1–10 mm in diameter, found mainly on the hands. Most will clear spontaneously within two years. Plantar warts (or verrucae) occur on the soles and are often tender. Plane warts are flat and skin-coloured – and therefore difficult to see; they are usually found on the face and may be present in very large numbers. Anogenital warts are frequently associated with other genital infections (see condyloma). Treatment of warts is with OTC (over-the-counter) remedies, such as lactic and salicylic acids; *cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is also effective. Curettage and cautery is very occasionally used, as well as immunotherapy with diphencyclopropenone.... wart
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