HPV and head and neck cancer: A comprehensive review

Human papilloma virus (HPV) has historically been implicated in the etiopathogenesis of cervical cancers in females. However, in recent times, HPV has been found to be increasingly associated with cancers of the oral cavity especially with oropharyngeal carcinomas. The epidemiology of HPV positive cancers is different than that of the HPV negative cases. Consequently, study of HPV has become the center of focus of many oral pathologists. The prognosis of HPV positive cancer is better and can be explained by several theories. The following is a narrative review of mechanism of oncogenesis by HPV, diagnosis, comparison of the prognosis and clinical features between HPV positive and negative cases, histological features and finally a brief overview of the management options of HPV positive cancers. • HPV 16 and 18 are high risk strains primarily for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. • HPV targets RB and p53 gene leading to oncogenic transformation. • Techniques of diagnosis of HPV positive cancers. • HPV positive cases have better prognosis and higher 5 year survival rate. • Methods of management of HPV positive cases depending on stage of tumor including surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.