Scientific letters

Oropharyngeal carcinoma: a sexually transmitted disease

Willie F.P. van Heerden, Andre W. van Zyl
South African Family Practice | Vol 52, No 6 : November/December| a1526 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/20786204.2010.10874050 | ©
Submitted: 03 February 2010 | Published: 09 December 2010

About the author(s)

Willie F.P. van Heerden, Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Biology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
Andre W. van Zyl, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

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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.

Keywords

HPV; oropharyngeal cancer; oral sex; sexually transmitted disease

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