Abstract
Although human papillomavirus (HPV) issues have focused primarily on females, it is important to give attention to males because the primary mode of transmission of the virus is through sexual intercourse. There is increasing evidence that HPV is causing serious diseases like penile, anal, head, and neck cancer among males. Studies have also shown that, generally, males have similar rates of HPV infection (0.29 to 0.39 per 1000 person-month) as females. The vaccine against HPV, Gardasil®, has been used in women since 2006. In 2009, the FDA approved Gardasil® for men. Although questions about the efficacy of HPV vaccination in males remain, it is important to understand what males know about HPV and their predisposition towards being vaccinated against the virus.
Highlights
human papillomavirus (HPV) type 33 was of particular interest as it has been linked with cancer of the vulva, as well as anal cancer in both males and females [1]
Oral cancers linked to HPV were relatively high, with 63% of all estimated cases each year caused by the virus
A 2012 study indicated that the low number may be due to limited empirical studies reporting the number of vulvar cancers each year; the researchers found that 46% of the annual cases of penile cancers were attributed to HPV [11]
Summary
The primary goal of clinical management is to identify and treat high-grade HPV-related infections in order to diminish the risk of developing invasive cancer. Persistent infections with high-risk HPVs cause almost all cervical cancers and many vulvar, vaginal, penile, and anal cancers in both men and women [1,2]. Oral cancers linked to HPV were relatively high, with 63% of all estimated cases each year caused by the virus. The researchers revealed that a total of 3,136 cases of vulvar cancer were reported per year, yet only 51% (n=1,600) were found to be HPV-related. A 2012 study indicated that the low number may be due to limited empirical studies reporting the number of vulvar cancers each year; the researchers found that 46% of the annual cases of penile cancers were attributed to HPV [11].
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