News — Dermatologists routinely engage in the care of patients with mucocutaneous manifestations of Human Papillomavirus infections [HPV]. HPV is associated with protean medical illnesses including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers, as well as warts, condylomata, and oropharyngeal papillomas. While there are numerous serotypes of HPV, type 16 and 18 are responsible for the majority of malignancies.
HPV infects 79 million people in the United States and is associated with 32,500 cases of cancer in men and women. [] Worldwide, over a quarter of a million women die of HPV induced cervical cancer yearly. []
Vaccines are available to protect young women and men against the most pathogenic serotypes and are recommended as part of a routine vaccination schedule for children and young adults. These vaccines markedly reduce the mortality associated with HPV infections.
The American Dermatological Association is pleased to announce its support of the American Cancer Society in its public policy campaign for vaccination against HPV beginning at age 11 or 12 for girls and boys.
The American Dermatological Association also recognizes the expanded age range, between 27 and 45, recently approved by the FDA for male and female HPV vaccination with human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine.
The American Dermatological Association emphasizes the importance of HPV vaccination at all appropriate ages as a means to reduce HPV-related diseases and recommends that patients consult their health care providers regarding HPV-related diseases.
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