Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Review

Human papillomavirus (HPV) - related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is rising in incidence in younger populations with risk factor profile of male gender, age 40 to 60, Caucasian, and minimal co-morbidities. Diagnostic workup should include cross-sectional imaging, HPV testing on pathology, and multidisciplinary evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat surgeon or head and neck surgeon, radiation oncology, medical oncology, dental, and speech therapy. Treatment depends on staging, patient function, and tumor location. HPV-related oropharyngeal SCC has a good prognosis and cure rate is high. Vaccination to prevent initial HPV infection is paramount to reduce the incidence of HPV-related malignancies.