Chapter 19, Problem 2CCS

A Child with Warts

Ten-year-old Rudy has several large warts on the fingers of his hands. They do not hurt, but their unsightly appearance causes him to shy away from people. He is afraid to shake hands or to play with other children, out of fear that he may transfer the warts to them. Initially, his mother tells him not to worry about them, but Rudy cannot help feeling self-conscious. Furthermore, Rudy fears that the warts may somehow spread on his own body. After consulting a physician, his mother decides to have the warts surgically removed.

1. 1. Is it possible that Rudy’s warts will spread to other parts of his body?
2. 2. Is it possible for someone else to “catch” Rudy’s warts by shaking his hand?
3. 3. If Rudy’s warts disappear without t reatment, are they likely to return to the same sites on his hand?
4. 4. Are the warts on Rudy’s finger likely to become cancerous?
5. 5. Following surgical removal of the warts, is there a chance that Rudy will develop warts again?