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World J Clin Cases. Jun 16, 2014; 2(6): 172-193
Published online Jun 16, 2014. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v2.i6.172
Published online Jun 16, 2014. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v2.i6.172
Role of human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A review
Robbie SR Woods, Conrad Timon, Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin 2, Ireland
Esther M O’Regan, John J O’Leary, Department of Histopathology, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
Susan Kennedy, Department of Histopathology, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin 2, Ireland
Cara Martin, John J O’Leary, Molecular Pathology Research, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
Author contributions: Timon C initiated the project and contributed to the clinical aspects of the paper; O’Regan EM, Kennedy S, Martin C and O’Leary JJ designed the research and contributed to the separate headings in the paper; Woods RSR wrote the paper; Timon C, O’Regan EM, Kennedy S, Martin C and O’Leary JJ revised the article and approved the final version.
Correspondence to: Robbie SR Woods, BA, MB, BCh, BAO, MRCSI, MCh, Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Adelaide Road, Dublin 2, Ireland. robbiewoods@rcsi.ie
Telephone: +353-1-6644600 Fax: +353-1-6761858
Received: March 2, 2014
Revised: April 21, 2014
Accepted: May 16, 2014
Published online: June 16, 2014
Revised: April 21, 2014
Accepted: May 16, 2014
Published online: June 16, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip:Human papillomavirus has been accepted as a causative agent in a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), particularly of the tonsils and base of tongue. Importantly, there is an increasing incidence of this subset of patients, who demonstrate improved prognosis and may respond more favourably to treatment. Similarities and differences are evident between cervical and oropharyngeal human papillomavirus-related SCCs and the comparison between these tumours warrants further investigation to better understand the disease process.