Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: Trends in Epidemiology and Methods for Detecting the Virus in a Tumor

Abstract

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has traditionally been associated with exposure to tobacco smoke and alcohol. However, in the past 30 years, despite a decrease in the prevalence of smoking, there has been a stabilization and subsequent increase in the incidence of OSCC. This rate increased mostly among middle-aged white men (including never-smokers or quitters). This cohort differs from the usual OSCC patients, elderly people with a long history of smoking or drinking. This increase in the incidence of OSCC is currently associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is transmitted sexually, and oral-genital contact can lead to HPV infection of the mouth and oropharynx. There are many types of HPV, but the vast majority of HPV-associated cases of OSCC are caused by type 16 virus. This review discusses the epidemiology of HPV-associated OSCC, the prevalence of HPV infection of the oral cavity and/or oropharynx, and methods for detecting the virus in tumor cells.