Related Experiment Videos
HPV infection and disease in men
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is common in men, affecting both penile and anal areas. Early treatment of HPV lesions can prevent spread and potential cancer development, especially in high-risk groups.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Penile and anal Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections are prevalent in sexually active men.
- Clinically detectable HPV lesions warrant treatment to alleviate symptoms and prevent transmission.
- Subclinical HPV disease may harbor infectious virus and harbor intraepithelial neoplasia, potentially progressing to invasive cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical significance of penile and anal HPV infections in men.
- To discuss the rationale for treating clinically detectable and subclinical HPV lesions.
- To highlight the precancerous potential of anal HPV-related lesions (HSIL) in high-risk populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of current evidence on HPV infection and disease in men.
- Discussion of treatment strategies for penile and anal HPV manifestations.
- Comparison of anal HPV disease with cervical HPV disease in terms of natural history and cancer risk.
Main Results:
- Penile HPV infection is common and can manifest in various forms, necessitating treatment to prevent spread.
- Anal HPV infection and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) are particularly common in high-risk homosexual and bisexual men, especially those with HIV.
- Anal HSIL shares parallels with cervical HPV disease, suggesting a precancerous nature and a potential for anal cancer incidence comparable to cervical cancer in women.
Conclusions:
- Treatment of penile HPV lesions is advisable for symptom relief and prevention of transmission.
- Anal HPV infection and HSIL in high-risk men require further investigation regarding natural history, the role of immunosuppression, diagnostics, and optimal treatment.
- Anal cancer may be preventable, and future screening programs, similar to cervical cancer screening, should be considered for high-risk populations.