HPV

Question 1

What is human papillomavirus (HPV)?

Answer 1

HPV is a common virus that infects the epithelial cells of the skin and mucosa, with over 100 types identified.

Question 2

How is HPV transmitted?

Answer 2

HPV is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, typically during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

Question 3

What are the types of HPV?

Answer 3

HPV types are classified as low-risk (e.g., HPV-6, HPV-11) and high-risk (e.g., HPV-16, HPV-18) based on their association with cancers.

Question 4

What are low-risk HPV types associated with?

Answer 4

Low-risk types, such as HPV-6 and HPV-11, are associated with genital warts and benign lesions.

Question 5

What are high-risk HPV types associated with?

Answer 5

High-risk types, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, are associated with cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, and other cancers.

Question 6

What are genital warts?

Answer 6

Genital warts are benign growths on the genital or anal area caused by low-risk HPV types, typically HPV-6 and HPV-11.

Question 7

What are the symptoms of genital warts?

Answer 7

Symptoms include painless growths or lumps in the genital or anal area, itching, and occasionally discomfort.

Question 8

How are genital warts diagnosed?

Answer 8

Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on the appearance of the lesions.

Question 9

What are the treatments for genital warts?

Answer 9

Treatments include topical agents (e.g., podophyllotoxin, imiquimod), cryotherapy, surgical excision, or electrocautery.

Question 10

Can genital warts recur after treatment?

Answer 10

Yes, genital warts can recur, as treatment removes the lesions but not the underlying HPV infection.

Question 11

What are the complications of genital warts?

Answer 11

Complications include psychological distress, discomfort, and, rarely, obstruction of the genital or anal area.

Question 12

What cancers are associated with high-risk HPV types?

Answer 12

High-risk HPV types are associated with cervical, anal, vulvar, vaginal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers.

Question 13

How does HPV cause cancer?

Answer 13

HPV integrates its DNA into host cells, disrupting normal cell regulation and promoting oncogenesis.

Question 14

What is the role of HPV vaccination in prevention?

Answer 14

HPV vaccination protects against high-risk and low-risk HPV types, reducing the risk of cancers and genital warts.

Question 15

What HPV vaccines are available?

Answer 15

Available vaccines include the bivalent (HPV-16, HPV-18), quadrivalent (HPV-6, 11, 16, 18), and nonavalent (nine HPV types) vaccines.

Question 16

Who should receive the HPV vaccine?

Answer 16

HPV vaccination is recommended for adolescents, typically between 11 and 14 years, with catch-up programs for older individuals.

Question 17

What is the schedule for HPV vaccination?

Answer 17

The vaccination schedule includes two doses for younger individuals and three doses for those starting later, typically over 15 years.

Question 18

How effective is the HPV vaccine?

Answer 18

The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing infections with vaccine-covered types and associated conditions.

Question 19

What are the side effects of the HPV vaccine?

Answer 19

Side effects are generally mild, including pain at the injection site, fatigue, and fever.

Question 20

What is the role of cervical screening in HPV prevention?

Answer 20

Cervical screening detects precancerous changes caused by HPV, allowing early treatment to prevent cervical cancer.

Question 21

What are the methods of cervical screening?

Answer 21

Screening involves cytology (Pap smear) or high-risk HPV DNA testing.

Question 22

What is the significance of an abnormal cervical screening result?

Answer 22

Abnormal results may indicate the presence of HPV or precancerous changes requiring further investigation or treatment.

Question 23

What is the management of high-risk HPV infection?

Answer 23

Management includes regular monitoring, colposcopy, and treatment of precancerous lesions if necessary.

Question 24

Can HPV infection clear spontaneously?

Answer 24

Yes, most HPV infections are transient and clear spontaneously within two years, especially in younger individuals.

Question 25

How can HPV transmission be reduced?

Answer 25

Transmission can be reduced by HPV vaccination, consistent condom use, and limiting the number of sexual partners.