Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is now recognized to cause a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Although excessive tobacco and alcohol use continue to be important risk factors for HNSCC, epidemiologic studies suggest that more than 25% of HNSCC are now caused by HPV. The incidence of HPV-related HNSCC is increasing, highlighting the need to understand the oral HPV infections causing these cancers. This article reviews the evidence for a causal association between HPV and HNSCC, examines the changing epidemiologic trends of HNSCC, and discusses what is currently known about oral HPV infection, natural history, and transmission.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 739-764 |
Number of pages | 26 |
Journal | Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America |
Volume | 45 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 1 2012 |
Keywords
- Epidemiology
- HPV
- Head and neck cancer
- Human papillomavirus
- Oropharyngeal cancer
- Squamous cell carcinoma
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Otorhinolaryngology