Human papilloma virus (HPV) related head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) has varying etiology, genetic as well as environmental factors involved and differential clinicicopathological features. HNSCC came in the limelight recently due to increased incidence rate and insucient diagnostic methods. This review will comprehensively focus on the characteristics of HPV associated HNSCC. It will provide an updated review of our understanding of HPV role in Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) known to date. Curruntly, three vaccines are available (Gardasil, Gardasil 9 and Cervarix). These vaccines prevent infections with HPV types 16 and 18 HPV-16 is most common type associated with HNSCC. HPV related HNSCC has better prognosis, does not mutate but inactivatestumor suppressor genes and therefore has comparatively better treatment options. However, there is still a need to improve our methods of sampling, HPV molecular assay and type of specimen to be used.
Human papilloma virus in head and neck squamous cell cancer.