Article

Oropharyngeal carcinoma: a sexually transmitted disease

Published in: South African Family Practice
Volume 52 , issue 6 , 2010 , pages: 576–578

DOI: 10.1080/20786204.2010.10874050

Author(s): WFP Van Heerden Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Biology, South Africa , AW Van Zyl Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, South Africa

Keywords: HPV , oropharyngeal cancer , oral sex , sexually transmitted disease

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Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is on the increase and accounts for 18% to 63% of OPC. It occurs mostly in young males with no other identifiable risk factors. The vast majority of HPV-associated OPC is attributable to HPV16. The prognosis of patients with HPV-positive OPC is better than patients with HPV-negative OPC. Oral HPV infection is linked to sexual transmission. The natural history, prevalence and possible risk factors in local communities should be studied to implement appropriate prevention strategies.

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