Terminology of HPV infections of the uterine cervix and vagina is somewhat confusing, with various terms having different meanings to different authors. This prompted us to revise the current terminology and propose a "tissue-based" classification of HPV infections of the cervix and vagina (mucosal HPV infections), which is based on histological appearance of the lesions and should be clear-cut in everyday practice of managing these patients. We hope the proposed nomenclature may overcome some of the confusion and controversy that exist in the current terminologies describing these lesions.