Human Papillomavirus and Head and Neck Cancer

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted pathogen and the infectious cause of HPV-related oropharyngeal carcinoma (HPV-OPC). HPV-OPC is distinct in its pathophysiology, epidemiology, and clinical course from HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The incidence of HPV-OPC has steadily grown over the past several decades. This rise has been attributed to sexual behaviors that increase exposure to HPV. While intensive investigation is clarifying the risk factors and treatment strategies for HPV-OPC, the natural history of carcinogenic HPV infection in HNSCC and whether HPV-OPC can be prevented remain incompletely understood. This chapter provides an overview of carcinogenic HPV infection, the epidemiology of oral HPV infection, and ongoing efforts to devise early detection and prevention strategies for HPV-OPC.