Human Papillomavirus-Associated Head and Neck Cancer

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has historically been attributable to tobacco and alcohol exposure saw a decline in incidence after societal norms shifted away from smoking. In recent decades, this disease had re-emergence due human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, now surpassing cervical cancer as the number 1 cause of HPV-related United States. HPV-positive OPSCC differs HPV-negative epidemiology, prognosis, treatment, prevention. Additionally, there is deficit awareness causal relationship between HPV OPSCC. This, coupled with low vaccination rates, puts primary care providers unique position play vital role prevention early diagnosis. review, we highlight screening, patient presentation, diagnosis, OPSCC, focus on provider9s role.