The human papillomavirus is contributing to the growing number of head and neck cancers in the United States, according to a new study published in the October 2011 Journal of Clinical Oncology.
The study found that the number of cases of oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the tonsil, back of the mouth (throat) and base of the tongue) has been on the rise since the mid 1980s. The study suggests that one reason could be an increase in the number of people having oral sex, resulting in oral human papillomavirus exposure.
Researchers say these cancers fall into two categories, those caused by tobacco and alcohol and those caused by the sexually transmitted virus, HPV. They now believe approximately 70% of all oropharyngeal cancers are caused by HPV infection.
"We used to think of oropharyngeal cancer as one cancer," said senior author Dr. Maura Gillison, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center in Columbus. "Now we know the disease is comprised of two biologically and epidemiologically distinct cancers. This new understanding will increasingly enable us to improve and better personalize care for patients with each form of the disease."
The findings are important due to the relatively rapid increase in these cancers compared with other HPV associated cancers like cervical cancer. With cervical cancer, incidence rates have declined over time because of screening, but currently there is no screening in place for oropharyngeal cancers.
Resource
Illinois Dental News The Official Journal of the Illinois State Dental Society
Volume 8/Issue 1/January/February 2012/pg.7
www.isds.org
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