The role of human papillomaviruses in the etiopathogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx
Abstract
Malignant tumors of the head and neck are one of the more common malignancies and in men are among the ten most common malignant tumors in general. Approximately 90 % of malignant tumors of the head and neck arise from the original or metaplastic squamous epithelium lining the abovementioned organs and anatomical areas.
The remaining 10 % are malignant tumors of the salivary glands, extranodal hematological malignancies and malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin. The most important risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (HNSCC) still represent smoking and chronic alcohol abuse.
At present, however, evidence has emerged that an equally important risk factor – at least for a subset of HNSCCs, particularly affecting the tonsil and the base of the tongue – is persistent oral high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection. Some authors even speak about a global epidemic of cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx caused by these viruses.
To the role of HR-HPV in the etiopathogenesis of cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx submitted monograph is devoted.