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The “New” Head and Neck Cancer Patient—Young, Nonsmoker, Nondrinker, and HPV Positive: Evaluation
Published Web Location
https://doi.org/10.1177/0194599814538605Abstract
Objective
The near epidemic rise of the incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) presents the practitioner with a "new" head and neck cancer patient, vastly different from those with the traditional risk factors who formed the basis of most practitioners' training experience. Accordingly, a thorough and disease-specific evaluation process is necessitated. This article will review the evaluation of the HPV-related cancer patient, including a review of the HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer epidemic from the surgeon's perspective, evaluation of the primary lesion, evaluation of the neck mass, and role of imaging, to provide a framework for addressing the challenging questions patients may ask.Data sources
Available peer-reviewed literature and practice guidelines.Review methods
Assessment of selected specific topics by authors solicited from the Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation and the American Head and Neck Society.Conclusions and implications for practice
The dramatic rise in OPSSC related to HPV is characterized by a "new" cancer patient who is younger and lacks traditional risk factors. Today's caregiver must be prepared to appropriately evaluate, counsel, and treat these patients with HPV-positive disease with the expectation that traditional treatment algorithms will evolve to maintain or improve current excellent cure rates while lessening treatment related side effects.Many UC-authored scholarly publications are freely available on this site because of the UC's open access policies. Let us know how this access is important for you.