Papilloma Virus: A Case Study

The human papillomavirus is a common problem in the United States. About 50 percent of sexually active men and women in the country will come in contact with the virus (Marr, 2007). However, there are many treatments and medications for those that have been exposed to the virus. One of these treatments is Cryotherapy. “Freezing warts with liquid nitrogen is a common treatment for both the external warts and warts on the cervix” (Marr, 2007, p.163). Before this treatment is done the warts have to be evaluated by colposcopy and biopsies to make sure the warts are not cancer. Two most common treatments that are used on patient that have been contacted with HPV are the LEEP procedure and the cone biopsy. “ LEEP uses a thin wire attached

The cone biopsy is similar to LEEP, but the cone biopsy involves cutting a cone-shaped piece off from the cervix (Nardo, 2007). Although the cone biopsy is a preferred method, it sometime has its disadvantages and can sometimes cause disfiguring to the cervix. “In contrast, the LEEP procedure usually does less damage to the cervix” (Nardo, 2007, p.43). A more expensive treatment would be Electrosurgery. Marr (2007) reported that depending on the skill of the health care provider, Electrosurgery has a clearance rate of 35-94 percent. That is a higher clearance rate than other treatments for the human papillomavirus. Aside from treatments, there is amedication that is provided for those that have HPV in the external part of the body. According to Marr (2007) “ Either podophyllin or trichloroacetic acid is painted on the external warts on the genitals and near the anus, either alone or in combination with liquid nitrogen” (p.164). This medication has a clearance rate of 32-79 percent. Imiquimod is a topical cream that is also used on the external

Not everyone that has been in contact with the human papillomavirus will have the same treatments and medications. It all depends what virus one has been exposed to and how severe it is. The vaccine is not provided to everyone for medical reasons. “The HPV vaccine should not be given to anyone who has a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or to any component in the vaccine, including yeast” (Loehr, 2009, p.213). Pregnant women should not have the vaccine provided because it is still being studied. “There is no theoretical risk that an inactivated vaccine is able to harm the mother or the fetus, so if the vaccines inadvertently given to a pregnant woman, it is not a reason to terminate the pregnancy” (Loehr, 2009, p.213). If this does not apply to the patient the intervention can begin. The health care provider first begins by making a diagnosis. “ A doctor or other specially trained health care professional is always the best person to make the diagnosis” (Nardo, 2007, p.61). The second step is the decision to treat. “After the virus is diagnosed, the doctor and patient need to decide on the treatment that is right for the patient (Nardo, 2007). “ Some patients are surprised when their doctors recommend a watch and wait approach rather than immediate treatment (Nardo, 2007, p.62). This all depends on the severity of the