A 6-year-old child presents with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). HPV typing confirms HPV 6 and 11 infection. Which HPV types cause the most aggressive form with higher risk of malignant transformation?
- A HPV 6
- B HPV 11 ✓
- C HPV 16
- D HPV 18
Correct answer: B. HPV 11
Explanation
In RRP, HPV 11 infection is associated with a more aggressive disease course, higher recurrence rate, distal spread to the trachea and lungs, and a small but real risk of malignant transformation (especially to squamous cell carcinoma). HPV 6 causes a more indolent form. HPV 16 and 18 (high-risk types) cause cervical carcinoma but are not the primary types in juvenile-onset RRP. This distinction affects monitoring and treatment intensity.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.