Human papillomavirus (HPV) may be contained in the vapor generated when using a laser or electrocautery to treat an accessible lesion. If inhaled the virus could possible infect the airway.
Situation: laser therapy or electrocautery of a cutaneous or genital wart
Risk factors for significant HPV transmission:
(1) high-risk HPV (oncogenic potential)
(2) extensive lesions
(3) lack of respiratory protection
(4) poor ventilation
(5) failure to use a smoke evacuator
(6) close proximity to the vapor plume
(7) immunosuppression or immunodeficiency
Usual location of lesions: oral mucosa, nasopharynx, pharynx
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