Pathology · single question
Same HPV lesion case — what is the origin/etiology of this lesion?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Viral (HPV)
✓ B) Viral is correct.
The clinical case explicitly states koilocytes on histopathology — this is pathognomonic for HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection. HPV is a DNA virus of the Papillomaviridae family. Oral HPV is transmitted sexually (HPV-16/18 → oropharyngeal cancer risk) or via auto-inoculation. It causes: squamous papilloma (most common benign oral HPV lesion), condyloma acuminatum, verruca vulgaris, and focal epithelial hyperplasia (Heck's disease). Trauma, bacteria, and fungi do not cause koilocyte formation.
The clinical case explicitly states koilocytes on histopathology — this is pathognomonic for HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection. HPV is a DNA virus of the Papillomaviridae family. Oral HPV is transmitted sexually (HPV-16/18 → oropharyngeal cancer risk) or via auto-inoculation. It causes: squamous papilloma (most common benign oral HPV lesion), condyloma acuminatum, verruca vulgaris, and focal epithelial hyperplasia (Heck's disease). Trauma, bacteria, and fungi do not cause koilocyte formation.