Molecular mechanisms and diagnostic innovations in HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas: Insights into integration, epigenetic modifications, and biomarker applications

• HPV is a major cause of head and neck cancers, particularly oropharyngeal cancer. • HPV integration into the host genome drives cancer development. • HPV integration induces epigenetic changes, including hypomethylation and hypermethylation. • Blood and saliva biomarkers like ctHPVDNA and HPV E6 antibodies aid in diagnosis. • Emerging technologies like NGS, liquid biopsy, and CRISPR enhance diagnosis and management.