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Human Papillomavirus and Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Clinical Considerations

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HPV and Cancer

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Abstract

Recent studies suggest that oropharyngeal and some oral cancers may be associated with infection by human papillomaviruses (HPV). The purpose of this chapter is to review the epidemiology as well as clinical aspects of diagnosis and treatment for HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, particularly oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPC).

Molecular and epidemiologic evidence suggests an etiologic association with HPV and the majority of OPC and a subset of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). A change in the epidemiology of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas coincides with a decrease in the use of tobacco and alcohol and an increase in HPV-associated SCC, particularly OPC. These HPV-associated OPC are linked with sexual behaviors and may occur in younger, primarily caucasian adults who may or may not use tobacco or alcohol. HPV-associated OPC are typically diagnosed at late stages of disease often upon recognition of cervical lymphadenopathy or persisting throat discomfort and/or dyshpagia. Treatment outcomes for persons with HPV-positive OPC are improved compared to HPV-negative cancers and those associated with tobacco use. Currently, the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine in preventing oral HPV infection and cancer is unknown; however, vaccination has been shown to prevent HPV infection.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Confidence limits were not provided.

Abbreviations

HPV:

Human papillomavirus

OPC:

Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OSCC:

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

SEER:

Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, City of Hope 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA

    Joel B. Epstein

  2. Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA

    Dena J. Fischer

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  1. Joel B. Epstein
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  2. Dena J. Fischer
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. S Paulina St 801, Chicago, 60612, USA

    James A. Radosevich

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Epstein, J.B., Fischer, D.J. (2012). Human Papillomavirus and Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Clinical Considerations. In: Radosevich, J. (eds) HPV and Cancer. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5437-9_8

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