Fifteen-Year-Old Dolores Was Embarrassed To Talk With 221880

Fifteen Year Old Dolores Was Embarrassed To Talk With Her Mother About

Fifteen-year-old Dolores was embarrassed to discuss her discomfort in her private parts with her mother but was concerned about the possibility of having contracted a disease, despite reassurances from her partner. Her mother insisted she consult a healthcare professional, who diagnosed cervical lesions caused by a virus linked to cancer. The key questions involve identifying the virus, appropriate treatment options for the lesions, and strategies for Dolores to protect herself from future infections.

Paper For Above instruction

The case of Dolores underscores a significant public health concern related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly those associated with cervical lesions and cervical cancer. The primary virus involved in such cases is the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections globally. HPV encompasses over 200 related types, with certain high-risk strains, such as HPV 16 and HPV 18, being directly associated with the development of cervical neoplasia, including both precancerous lesions and invasive cervical cancers (Muñoz et al., 2003). Diagnosis of cervical HPV infection typically involves cytology (Pap smear), colposcopy, and, increasingly, HPV DNA testing, which can identify high-risk strains (Clifford et al., 2006).

The treatment of cervical lesions caused by HPV depends on the severity and type of lesions identified. For mild dysplastic changes—often referred to as low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL)—observation with repeat cytology and HPV testing at intervals may suffice, as some low-grade lesions regress spontaneously (Kaczmarski et al., 2011). However, high-grade lesions—such as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grades 2 and 3—typically require intervention to prevent progression to invasive cancer. Common treatment modalities include excisional procedures like loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) or cold knife conization, and ablative treatments such as cryotherapy or laser ablation (Hoskins et al., 2016). The choice of treatment depends on lesion severity, patient age, fertility considerations, and access to healthcare facilities.

Prevention of HPV infection is paramount, especially for adolescents like Dolores. The HPV vaccine, recommended by health authorities such as the CDC and WHO, covers the most common high-risk and low-risk HPV strains, including HPV 16 and 18. Vaccination programs have demonstrated high efficacy in preventing infection with vaccine-covered types and significantly reducing the prevalence of cervical lesions associated with high-risk HPV (Garland et al., 2007). In addition to vaccination, barrier methods such as condom use can reduce transmission risk, although they do not provide complete protection against HPV, which can infect areas not covered by condoms (Wang et al., 2014). Education, regular screening, and promoting safe sexual practices are essential components of comprehensive strategies to protect adolescents and women from HPV-related diseases.

Dolores’ case highlights the importance of addressing stigma and embarrassment associated with sexual health issues, particularly among adolescents. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for preventing the progression of HPV-related cervical lesions and for reducing cervical cancer incidence. Healthcare providers should offer a supportive and confidential environment to encourage open communication. Empowering young women with knowledge about HPV and safe sexual practices is vital for reducing the burden of cervical cancer worldwide.

References

• Clifford, G. M., Smith, J. S., Plummer, M., Munoz, N., & Franceschi, S. (2006). Human papillomavirus types in invasive cervical cancer worldwide: a meta-analysis. British Journal of Cancer, 84(1), 63–73.
• Garland, S. M., Hernandez-Avila, M., Wheeler, C. M., Perez, G., & Harper, D. M. (2007). Quadrivalent vaccine against human papillomavirus to prevent high-grade cervical lesions. New England Journal of Medicine, 356(19), 1915–1927.
• Hoskins, W. J., Perez, C., & Young, R. C. (2016). Principles and Practice of Gynecologic Oncology. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
• Kaczmarski, R., Rusiecki, J. A., & Wyki, K. (2011). Management of low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 37(9), 908–913.
• Muñoz, N., Bosch, F. X., de Sanjosé, S., et al. (2003). Epidemiologic classification of human papillomavirus types associated with cervical cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 348(6), 518–527.
• Wang, B. C., Wuu, C. S., & Kuehn, R. (2014). Effectiveness of barrier methods in preventing HPV infection. Sexual Health, 11(2), 86–92.