Am J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg | Volume 1, Issue 2 | Review Article | Open Access

The Dynamic Change HPV has Forced onto Oropharyngeal Carcinoma

Kamil Masood and Uttam Sinha^*

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Southern California, USA

^*Correspondance to: Uttam Sinha 

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Abstract

Head and neck cancer is one of the most common types of cancers in the world. However, the dynamics of the disease has changed in the past decades. A disease once characterized by smoking and drinking has more recently been associated with HPV. Additionally, prognosis for HPV associated disease seems far more improved to the non-HPV associated counterpart. Further investigations suggest the development of HPV associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma may in fact be a distinct form of cancer whose natural history needs to be pursued. Head and neck cancer and cervical cancer share characteristics in that high risk sexual behavior and exposure to and infection of HPV increases their risk however, it has been stated that HPV positive head and neck cancer has improved survival outcomes for patients. We believe that due to increased rates of HPV associated head and neck cancer yet it's receptiveness to therapy, it may be beneficial to study the natural history of HPV in its relationship with head and neck cancer in order to promote a higher quality of life in individuals with HPV positive condition.

Citation:

Masood K, Sinha U. The Dynamic Change HPV has Forced onto Oropharyngeal Carcinoma. Am J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2018;1(2):1007.