Human papilloma virus infection is associated with which type of cancer?

RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2020

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2020

Explanation

Persistent infection with high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of nearly all cases of cervical cancer.
Evidence collected over many years shows that HPV causes nearly 100% of cervical cancers, making it the most significant risk factor.
Specific high-risk HPV types, particularly 16 and 18, are responsible for at least 70% of cervical squamous cell carcinomas and 85% of cervical adenocarcinomas.
The virus's oncoproteins (E6 and E7) disrupt normal cell cycle control by inactivating tumor suppressor proteins, which leads to malignant transformation.

Option B: Lung cancer is overwhelmingly caused by tobacco smoking and exposure to other carcinogens like asbestos and radon gas, not by HPV infection.
Option C: While HPV, particularly HPV-16, is a known cause of a subset of oropharyngeal cancers, the primary risk factors for most oral cavity cancers are tobacco and alcohol use. The association between HPV and cervical cancer is much stronger and more universal.
Option D: Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) is primarily caused by chronic infection with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) or Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and other factors like alcohol-induced cirrhosis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Association between Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and specific types of cancer helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses are at the forefront of cervical cancer prevention through patient education on HPV vaccination, promoting adherence to screening schedules (Pap and HPV tests), and counseling on safe sex practices.
Understanding the viral etiology of certain cancers allows nurses to identify at-risk patients and provide targeted health promotion and disease prevention advice.
What if? If a patient has received the HPV vaccine, the nurse must still emphasize the need for continued routine cervical cancer screening, as the vaccine does not protect against all cancer-causing HPV types.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key components of the question: the pathogen ('Human papilloma virus') and the disease category ('cancer').
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of infectious diseases and oncology.
Systematically evaluate each option by recalling the primary cause or strongest risk factor for that specific cancer.
For Lung cancer, think smoking. For Liver cancer, think Hepatitis B/C. For Oral cancer, think tobacco/alcohol.
Recognize that while HPV is linked to several cancers (oral, anal), its role in cervical cancer is causative and responsible for nearly all cases, making it the strongest and most correct association.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Association between Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and specific types of cancer.
Stem keywords: Human papilloma virus, HPV, cancer
Lead-in keywords: associated with

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 pp. 1567-1569, 553-555