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What percent of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasias are HPV positive?

User Braxo
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Final answer:

A significant number of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasias are HPV positive, often linked to high-risk HPV types, and HPV detection involves identifying koilocytes in Pap smears. HPV vaccination, such as with Gardasil, is aimed at preventing these high-risk HPV infections that can lead to intraepithelial neoplasia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the percentage of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasias (VIN) that are HPV positive. Although the information provided does not give a direct percentage for VIN, it is widely recognized by medical professionals that a substantial proportion of VIN cases are associated with HPV infection. Studies have identified that intraepithelial neoplasia of the vulva is often linked to high-risk HPV types, particularly HPV 16 and HPV 18. HPV infections can be detected by presence of genital warts, but not all HPV infections result in visible warts. The detection of HPV in a Pap smear is indicative of the presence of koilocytes, which have a distinct perinuclear halo and hyperchromatic atypical nucleus that stains darkly, as shown in the provided figures.

It is important to understand that the motivation for HPV vaccination is to prevent infection with oncogenic HPV types, some of which are responsible for the majority of cervical cancers as well as other types of cancers, such as vulvar cancer. Vaccination with vaccines like Gardasil and Cervarix can significantly reduce the risk of developing these cancers, though they do not cover all oncogenic HPV types. Therefore, the utilization of vaccines is strategic in lowering the incidence of intraepithelial neoplasia, including VIN, by preventing the onset of HPV infections that contribute to such conditions.

User Harry Theo
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