Physiological Adaptation Q 133
A client with a diagnosis of HPV is at risk for which of the following?
A. Hodgkin’s lymphoma
B. Cervical cancer
C. Multiple myeloma
D. Ovarian cancer
Correct Answer: B. Cervical cancer
The client with HPV is at higher risk for cervical and vaginal cancer related to this STI. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the initiating force behind multiple epithelial lesions and cancers, predominantly of cutaneous and mucosal surfaces. Today, HPV has been implicated as a cause of laryngeal, oral, lung and anogenital cancer. Subtypes 6 and 11 are low risk and usually present with the formation of condylomata and low-grade precancerous lesions. HPV subtypes 16 and 18 are high risk and are responsible for high-grade intraepithelial lesions that progress to malignancies.
Option A: It is important to understand that HPV alone does not cause cancer but requires triggers like smoking, folate deficiency, exposure to UV light, immunosuppression, and pregnancy. Long-term follow-up is essential as recurrence of warts is common. In addition, all treatments for warts have side effects that need to be monitored.
Option C: The prognosis after an HPV infection is good but recurrences are common. Even though there are many treatments for warts, none works well and most patients require repeated treatments. The HPV infection can also result in vulvar intraepithelial dysplasia, cervical dysplasia, and cervical cancer.
Option D: Some women remain at high risk for developing vaginal and anal cancer. The risk of malignant transformation is highest in immunocompromised individuals. Finally, when a patient has been diagnosed with HPV infection, there is a 5-20% risk of also having other STDs like gonorrhea and/or chlamydia.