Human papillomavirus and head and neck cancer: a growing concern

J S C Med Assoc. 2008 Dec;104(8):247-51.

Abstract

Head and neck cancer is increasing in incidence in patients without the usual risk factors for the disease. Practitioners need to be aware that young, non-smoking patients are also at risk for certain types of head and neck cancer. Head and neck cancer in this patient group is likely due to infection of the tonsil and tongue with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). There is strong epidemiological and laboratory evidence that HPV is a cause of head and neck cancer. Therefore, any patient with persistent lesions, ulcers, swallowing difficulty, change in voice, or neck mass needs prompt referral to an otolaryngologist- head and neck surgeon.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / adverse effects
  • Alphapapillomavirus* / genetics
  • Alphapapillomavirus* / immunology
  • Alphapapillomavirus* / pathogenicity
  • Antibodies, Viral / analysis
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / etiology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / virology*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Cohort Studies
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / etiology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / virology*
  • Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine Quadrivalent, Types 6, 11, 16, 18
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / virology
  • Papillomavirus Infections / complications*
  • Papillomavirus Infections / prevention & control
  • Papillomavirus Infections / transmission
  • Papillomavirus Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • RNA, Viral / analysis
  • Risk Factors
  • Smoking / adverse effects
  • Tongue Neoplasms / virology
  • Tonsillar Neoplasms / virology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • DNA, Viral
  • Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine Quadrivalent, Types 6, 11, 16, 18
  • Papillomavirus Vaccines
  • RNA, Viral