HPV Oral Cancer on the Rise

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for more than 5% of all cancers, including all cervical cancers.  Presently, an estimated 63% of oropharyngeal cancers are caused by HPV, and tha percentage is rising.  At current rates, oropharyngeal cancer will become the leading HPV-related cancer in the United States by the year 2020, surpassing the yearly number of cervical cancers.  An estimated 7,400 new cases of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers are diagnosed annually.  These cases are highest among adults in their late 20's and late 50's.  Men outnumber women 4:1.  These cancers are most commonly found on the tonsils.  Others are found at the base of the tongue.  In these areas, diagnosis is usually at advanced stages (75% stage III/IV), with lymph node involvement.

While the prevalence of HPV infection is about 7% in the general population, it can be as high as 20% for those with more that 20 lifetime sex partners (oral, anal, and/or vaginal) or who smoke more than 20 cigarettes daily.


Source: www.chemotherapyadvisor.com


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancer: Risk Factors

Leslie Burgess, writing for Chemotherapy Advisor, continued her thorough and well researched article on the growing dilemma of HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer. She states: "An estimated 7,400 new cases are diagnosed annually in the U.S. Prevalence of oral infection is highest among adults in their late 20's and late 50's, and the disease is more common in men than women (almost 4:1) and in non-Hispanic populations. The presence of oral HPV infection is about 7% of the general population, but can be as high as 20% among those with a high number (20 or more) of lifetime sex (oral, anal, and/or vaginal) partners, early age (<17 years) at first intercourse and irregular or no condom use. Persistence of HPV infection increases cancer risk.

For more detail:  www.chemotherapyadvisor.com

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancer: Vaccine

According to Chemotherapy Advisor, the available HPV vaccines are effective against the serotypes that are most commonly associated with oropharyngeal cancer.  The relationship previously established with this cancer and sexual behaviors and the disproportionate representation of men affected supports current recommendations to vaccinate both boys and girls to protect against HPV associated cancers.

Source: www.chemotherapyadvisor.com

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancer: Increasing Rates

In a superb article in Chemotherapy Advisor, Leslie Burgess illustrates the increasing concern regarding HPV virus as the cause of more than 5% of all cancers, including all cervical cancers.  In addition, at current rates, by the year 2020 in the United States, oropharyngeal cancer will become the leading HPV associated cancer, surpassing the annual number of cervical cancers.

The incidence rates and types of HPV cancers are tabulated at www.chemothrapyadvisor.com

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309