Chapter 19: Problem 20
What type of cancer is associated with human papillomaviruses? a. breast b. cervical c. kidney d. lymphatic
Short Answer
Expert verified
B. Cervical
Step by step solution
01
Read the question carefully
Understand the question by reading and identifying the keyword: human papillomaviruses and the possible answers available.
02
Recalling knowledge
Remember or research associations between human papillomaviruses and cancer types. This information can be found in biology textbooks or reliable sources such as online academic articles.
03
Select the correct answer
After confirming which type of cancer is associated with human papillomaviruses, select the appropriate answer from the given options.
04
Answer reveal
The correct answer is:
B. Cervical
Human papillomaviruses are known to be a major cause of cervical cancer.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer arises from the cells lining the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. One of the most significant risk factors for developing this type of cancer is infection with certain strains of human papillomaviruses (HPVs). These viruses can transmit between individuals through skin-to-skin contact, often during sexual activity.
HPVs are a group of more than 200 related viruses, of which more than a dozen are cancer-causing (also known as high-risk types). HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases. When infected with these high-risk strains, the virus can lead to changes in cervical cells, resulting in precancerous conditions, which over time, can progress to cancer.
It is now widely recognized that cervical cancer is highly preventable through regular screening and vaccination against HPVs. HPV vaccines target the common cancer-causing strains and are most effective when administered before individuals are exposed to the virus through sexual contact. Despite this, cervical cancer remains a significant global health issue, especially in areas where access to vaccination and screening is limited.
HPVs are a group of more than 200 related viruses, of which more than a dozen are cancer-causing (also known as high-risk types). HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases. When infected with these high-risk strains, the virus can lead to changes in cervical cells, resulting in precancerous conditions, which over time, can progress to cancer.
It is now widely recognized that cervical cancer is highly preventable through regular screening and vaccination against HPVs. HPV vaccines target the common cancer-causing strains and are most effective when administered before individuals are exposed to the virus through sexual contact. Despite this, cervical cancer remains a significant global health issue, especially in areas where access to vaccination and screening is limited.
Virus-Cancer Associations
Virus-cancer associations refer to the role of certain viruses in the development of cancers. While most viruses do not cause cancer, there are a few known as oncogenic viruses, which have been linked to cancer development. In addition to HPV's role in cervical cancer, other examples include Hepatitis B and C viruses, which can cause liver cancer, and Epstein-Barr virus, associated with Burkitt lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
The mechanism by which viruses cause cancer can vary. Some, like HPV, integrate their DNA into the host cell's DNA, disrupting normal cell function and potentially leading to uncontrolled cell growth. Others may cause chronic inflammation or suppress the immune system, allowing for the development of cancerous cells.
Understanding virus-cancer associations is crucial for developing preventative measures, such as vaccines and antiviral drugs, that can reduce the risk of these cancers. Moreover, this knowledge emphasizes the importance of studying viral life cycles and their interaction with host cells to identify potential targets for cancer prevention and therapy.
The mechanism by which viruses cause cancer can vary. Some, like HPV, integrate their DNA into the host cell's DNA, disrupting normal cell function and potentially leading to uncontrolled cell growth. Others may cause chronic inflammation or suppress the immune system, allowing for the development of cancerous cells.
Understanding virus-cancer associations is crucial for developing preventative measures, such as vaccines and antiviral drugs, that can reduce the risk of these cancers. Moreover, this knowledge emphasizes the importance of studying viral life cycles and their interaction with host cells to identify potential targets for cancer prevention and therapy.
Cancer Types in Biology
Cancers can be categorized in various ways based on their biological characteristics. The main types include carcinoma, sarcoma, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Carcinomas, the most common type of cancer, originate from epithelial cells which line the inside and outside of organs and structures. Examples include breast, lung, prostate, and colon cancers.
Sarcomas arise from connective tissues such as bones, muscle, cartilage, and fat. Leukemias are cancers of the bone marrow that cause large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream. Lymphomas and myelomas affect the lymphatic system and blood cells respectively, and typically involve the proliferation of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.
Each cancer type has its own typical progression, treatment options, and prognosis, influenced by factors such as the cell type of origin, the degree of differentiation, the rate of growth, and the presence of specific genetic changes. Biologists and doctors study these aspects to develop targeted treatments and to tailor therapies to individual patient needs, always with the goal of improving survival rates and quality of life for those affected.
Sarcomas arise from connective tissues such as bones, muscle, cartilage, and fat. Leukemias are cancers of the bone marrow that cause large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream. Lymphomas and myelomas affect the lymphatic system and blood cells respectively, and typically involve the proliferation of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.
Each cancer type has its own typical progression, treatment options, and prognosis, influenced by factors such as the cell type of origin, the degree of differentiation, the rate of growth, and the presence of specific genetic changes. Biologists and doctors study these aspects to develop targeted treatments and to tailor therapies to individual patient needs, always with the goal of improving survival rates and quality of life for those affected.
