Source: ADA
Author: Jennifer Garvin

Growing evidence linking oral infection with human papillomavirus as a risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer prompted the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs to approve a new statement on the topic at its April meeting.

The statement aims to promote awareness of the rising incidence of HPV-associated cancers, particularly in the region of the oropharynx (the middle region of the throat, including the tonsils and base of the tongue).

Although the primary risk factors for oral cavity cancer remain tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption, HPV infection is now associated with more than 7,300 cases of oropharyngeal cancer diagnosed annually in the United States. Surveillance data has shown a steady increase in HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers over the past three decades, particularly in white men between 40 to 59 years of age.

“Oral HPV infection is now commonly accepted as an important risk factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma,” said Dr. Mark Lingen, an oral pathologist and council member. “Over the last two decades, the paradigm of the traditional oral cancer patient has been redefined, and dentists should be aware of this new etiology when providing routine oral soft tissue examinations to patients.”

The council statement emphasizes that oral HPV infection has emerged as a significant risk factor for oropharyngeal cancers for both men and women, even in the absence of smoking and alcohol consumption. New evidence indicates that the association with oropharyngeal cancer is three times higher for men than women, and a higher lifetime number of sex partners (vaginal and oral) is also associated with increased risk.