Human papillomavirus status in head and neck cancer: the ethics of disclosure.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an emerging causative factor for squamous carcinoma of the oropharynx and perhaps other head and neck cancers. There is a great deal of uncertainty regarding the clinical significance and implications of HPV status in this patient population. As a result, there is no established protocol for informing patients of the potential link between viral infection and their cancer. This paper discusses some of the ethical issues involved with informing head and neck cancer patients of their HPV status, recognizing the dilemma posed by unresolved clinical questions and the need to respect the autonomy of patients by disclosing relevant information.
Shuman
Andrew G
AG
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. shumana@umich.edu
Wolf
Gregory T
GT
D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D018307:Neoplasms, Squamous Cell / Q000821:virology*; D010039:Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / Q000821:virology*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000523:psychology* / Q000635:transmission; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011379:Prognosis; D012306:Risk; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000821:virology; D014611:Vaccination / Q000941:ethics
D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines