Human papillomavirus. A sexually transmitted disease with carcinogenic potential

Over the last decade, human papillomavirus (HPV) has been linked with a spectrum of genital disease ranging from latent infection or benign warty growths to neoplasia and carcinoma. The increasing prevalence of HPV and the potential for neoplastic progression mandates that health care providers identify and screen those at high risk for HPV infection and teach strategies for preventing the transmission of this disease. Strategies for diagnosis and treatment vary depending on the anatomic location and/or degree of cellular change provoked by the virus. Although eradication of the virus is not possible, treatment modalities that eradicate abnormal squamous cells have been shown to halt the progression of the neoplastic process. Nursing care of patients with HPV is challenging because of the complex physiological and psychosexual impact of the disease on the patient and on sexual partners. This article discusses the incidence, viral characteristics, oncogenic potential, and treatment strategies for HPV infection as well as associated nursing strategies.