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Pathology · single question

All of the following about HPV are TRUE EXCEPT:

  1. HPV vaccination can prevent infection
  2. HPV infection will inevitably progress to squamous cell carcinoma
  3. HPV strains 16 and 18 are the most oncogenic
  4. Persistent HPV infection can lead to immortalization of epithelial cells
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Correct answer: B. HPV infection will inevitably progress to squamous cell carcinoma

  • A. This is true — HPV vaccination is effective at preventing infection with covered high-risk strains.
  • B. Correct (the exception/false statement). HPV infection does NOT inevitably progress to SCC; most infections clear spontaneously, and additional cofactors (e.g., persistent infection, smoking, alcohol) are typically needed for malignant transformation.
  • C. This is true — HPV 16 and 18 are the most oncogenic high-risk strains.
  • D. This is true — persistent high-risk HPV infection can lead to immortalization of epithelial cells via E6/E7 oncoprotein activity, a step toward malignant transformation.

Note: HPV does NOT inevitably progress to SCC. Alcohol and tobacco are additional risk factors for malignant transformation. Condyloma → HPV 6/11. Oropharyngeal cancer → HPV 16.

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