Human papillomavirus and head and neck cancer: a growing concern

Head and neck cancer is increasing in incidence in patients without the usual risk factors for the disease. Practitioners need to be aware that young, non-smoking patients are also at risk for certain types of head and neck cancer. Head and neck cancer in this patient group is likely due to infection of the tonsil and tongue with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). There is strong epidemiological and laboratory evidence that HPV is a cause of head and neck cancer. Therefore, any patient with persistent lesions, ulcers, swallowing difficulty, change in voice, or neck mass needs prompt referral to an otolaryngologist- head and neck surgeon.