What the general dental practitioner needs to know about HPV-related oropharyngeal malignancy

The rates of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma have continued to rise secondary to the increasing prevalence of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV-related disease is typically found in younger patients who do not have the traditional risk factors for malignancy. General dental practitioners (GD...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British dental journal 2020-09, Vol.229 (6), p.355-360
Main Authors: Tailor, Chivani, Eley, Karen A., Hussain, Farah, Milford, Christopher, McMillan, Roddy, Hopper, Colin, Watt-Smith, Stephen R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alphapapillomavirus
Anatomy
Clinical
Dentistry
Dentists
Head & neck cancer
Human papillomavirus
Humans
Malignancy
Oral cancer
Oropharyngeal Neoplasms - diagnosis
Oropharyngeal Neoplasms - epidemiology
Oropharynx
Papillomaviridae
Papillomavirus Infections - complications
Papillomavirus Infections - diagnosis
Professional Role
Risk factors
Squamous cell carcinoma
Throat cancer
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Summary:The rates of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma have continued to rise secondary to the increasing prevalence of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV-related disease is typically found in younger patients who do not have the traditional risk factors for malignancy. General dental practitioners (GDPs) often examine patients regularly and may therefore have an opportunity to identify oropharyngeal malignancies at an early stage. However, many GDPs are unfamiliar with oropharyngeal anatomy, pathology and clinical examination. This review summarises the key points in identifying patients with oropharyngeal malignancy who necessitate urgent referral. Key points Provides an overview of anatomy and an anatomical-based method of assessment for oropharyngeal malignancy. Increases awareness of the increasing incidence of HPV-related oropharyngeal malignancy, occurring in younger patients without the traditional risk factors for oral cancer. Recommends that all GDPs extend their routine clinical examination to include the oropharynx and neck in an attempt to improve early malignancy detection rates and reduce potential patient harm and medico-legal claims.
ISSN:0007-0610
1476-5373
DOI:10.1038/s41415-020-2113-6