Background: The association of human papillomavirus (HPV) with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) was first described in 1982–1983 by the authors of this review. Prompted by this discovery 35 years ago, an entirely new field of HPV research has emerged, resulting in a paradigm shift from smoking and alcohol as the only etiological factors to confirmation of HNSCC as an important group of HPV-related human malignancies. Summary: In this review, the authors first describe the scope (i.e., HNSCC) by the anatomic sites of the tumors. Their important site-specific differences in epidemiology are emphasized, and the misconceptions caused by the adopted practice of pooling all tumors from these divergent anatomic sites as a single entity (HNSCC) are pinpointed. The convincing evidence of the established risk factors (smoking and alcohol) is briefly addressed, before entering in the discussion on the causal role of HPV in HNSCC pathogenesis. The global HPV prevalence in different subsets of HNSCC is summarized using the data extracted from all meta-analyses published since 2010. Of all HNSCC subsets, oropharyngeal SCC has an HPV profile distinct form all the other subsets, and the possible mechanisms explaining this intimate association with HPV are discussed. Key Messages: Recent global trends show a constant increase in HNSCC rates particularly among younger age groups. The evidence on cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption as the prime risk factors of HNSCC is overwhelming. During the past 35 years, however, increasing evidence has accumulated implicating an important causal role of HPV in HNSCC. These data have important clinical implications, HPV detection and tailored treatment strategies for HPV-positive HNSCCs currently being an integral part of the oncological management practices of HNSCC.

Keywords:
HPV, Head and neck cancer, Oral cancer, Oropharyngeal cancer, Laryngeal cancer, Tonsillar cancer, Sinonasal cancer, Risk factors, Smoking, Alcohol
© 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel
2019
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.