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Pathology · single question

Which HPV strains are responsible for squamous cell carcinoma in the tonsils?

  1. HPV 16 and 18
  2. HPV 31 and 33
  3. HPV 1 and 2
  4. HPV 6 and 11
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Correct answer: A. HPV 16 and 18

  • A. HPV 16 and HPV 18 are the HIGH-RISK oncogenic strains responsible for most HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. HPV 16 accounts for ~85-90% of HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers.
  • B. HPV 31 and 33 are associated with cervical cancer but are NOT the primary strains in oropharyngeal cancer.
  • C. HPV 1 and 2 cause common cutaneous warts — they are LOW-RISK types NOT associated with carcinoma.
  • D. HPV 6 and 11 are LOW-RISK (non-oncogenic) strains responsible for condyloma acuminata and oral papillomas — NOT cancer.

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