Human Papilloma Virus: an Insight in Role in Oral Carcinogenesis

The incidence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has been gradually increasing over the last three decades. Recent data have now attributed a viral aetiology to a subset of head and neck cancers. Human papilloma virus-16 genotype is present in many oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Several studies indicate that oral HPV infection is likely to be sexually acquired. The HPV-associated cytopositive oral and oropharyngeal carcinoma is thought to be initiated and maintained by high-risk HPV E6/E7 oncoprotein-induced dysregulation of cell cycle control mechanisms, leading to genomic instability. Loss of cell cycle and apoptosis control, therefore, constitutes an early and central event in HPV-mediated carcinogenesis. It has an essential aetiologic role in the development of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in a subset of subjects who are typically younger, are more engaged with high-risk sexual behaviour and were found to have higher human papilloma virus -16 serum antibody titer.