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Correct Answer: trichloracetic acid
the appropriate treatment for a 29-year-old female with three small human papillomavirus (hpv) lesions on her vulva is trichloracetic acid. this decision is based on several factors including the characteristics of the lesions and the efficacy and safety profile of available treatments.
hpv is a common sexually transmitted infection, which in some cases, can lead to the development of genital warts and increase the risk of cervical cancer. the lesions described in this case are small, measuring about 0.5 cm each, which is a factor that influences the choice of treatment.
trichloracetic acid is a chemical cauterant used to treat hpv lesions topically. it works by destroying the proteins in the cells of the warts, leading to necrosis and eventual sloughing off of the treated tissue. this treatment is particularly suitable for smaller warts as it allows for precise application and reduces the risk of damaging surrounding healthy tissue.
the application of trichloracetic acid is typically performed in a clinical setting. the healthcare provider applies the acid carefully to each wart, avoiding the surrounding skin to minimize irritation. although the procedure might cause some mild discomfort, such as burning or stinging temporarily, it is generally well-tolerated.
the effectiveness of trichloracetic acid can vary, and multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve complete resolution of the warts. the interval between treatments usually spans one to two weeks, allowing the skin to heal. this method avoids the systemic side effects associated with oral treatments and focuses therapy directly on the lesions, which enhances its safety profile.
in contrast, other potential treatments such as colposcopy are diagnostic procedures rather than treatments and are used to examine the cervix more closely when there is an abnormal pap test result, not for treating surface lesions like warts. oral antiviral agents are generally not effective in the treatment of hpv warts because they do not target the virus in the same way that direct topical agents like trichloracetic acid do.
in conclusion, trichloracetic acid is a suitable and effective treatment for the small hpv lesions on the vulva of this patient, offering a targeted, tolerable, and repeatable approach to management. this treatment choice minimizes discomfort while effectively reducing wart size and potentially eliminating the lesions entirely with sequential applications.
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