Which cancer is associated with excessive exposure to HPV, particularly in homosexual males?

Which cancer is associated with excessive exposure to HPV, particularly in homosexual males?

• A. Squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix
• B. Penile carcinoma
• C. Anal carcinoma
• D. Vulvar carcinoma

Answer: (C)

Anal carcinoma is notably associated with excessive exposure to Human Papillomavirus (HPV), especially in homosexual males. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that is strongly linked to the development of several types of cancers, primarily those involving the anogenital region. In the case of anal carcinoma, studies have demonstrated that the prevalence of HPV is significantly higher in males who have sex with males (MSM). The mechanism by which HPV contributes to cancer development involves the virus's ability to integrate its genetic material into the host cell's DNA, leading to the dysregulation of cell growth and proliferation. Specifically, high-risk HPV types, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, are known to play a critical role in the oncogenesis of anal squamous cell carcinoma. While other cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, penile carcinoma, and vulvar carcinoma, are also associated with HPV, the specific increased risk in homosexual males for anal carcinoma is significant and establishes it as a key concern in this population. This highlights the importance of HPV vaccination and screening in preventing anal cancer, particularly among high-risk groups.

Anal carcinoma is notably associated with excessive exposure to Human Papillomavirus (HPV), especially in homosexual males. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that is strongly linked to the development of several types of cancers, primarily those involving the anogenital region. In the case of anal carcinoma, studies have demonstrated that the prevalence of HPV is significantly higher in males who have sex with males (MSM).

The mechanism by which HPV contributes to cancer development involves the virus's ability to integrate its genetic material into the host cell's DNA, leading to the dysregulation of cell growth and proliferation. Specifically, high-risk HPV types, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, are known to play a critical role in the oncogenesis of anal squamous cell carcinoma.

While other cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, penile carcinoma, and vulvar carcinoma, are also associated with HPV, the specific increased risk in homosexual males for anal carcinoma is significant and establishes it as a key concern in this population. This highlights the importance of HPV vaccination and screening in preventing anal cancer, particularly among high-risk groups.