Abstract
The existence of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OPSCC) has recently been found to have correlations with the Human Papillomavirus. HPV-associated OPSCC exhibits a unique method of infection and transmission and has made this branch an emerging disease in the recent decade. This systematic review of the literature was conducted to further explore research into Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Cancer (OPSCC). Commonly referred to as “throat cancer”, this growth originates in the oropharynx. Symptoms of this condition include sore throat, lumps in the neck, and difficulty with swallowing. OPSCC has many variants but has shown a strong association with Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the most common type of sexually transmitted infection. Oncogenes carrying HPV, will invade exposed areas of the upper respiratory tract, targeting the p35 and rBp tumor suppressor pathways to prevent apoptosis in that region. HPV-associated OPSCC targets the mucosal membranes of anogenital areas and the upper respiratory tract and patients have reported to experience large neck masses as a indicating symptom. The prominence of this disease has been increasing over the past couple of decades and is becoming more widespread throughout the United States and other developed countries. It is most commonly seen in younger adults who partake in sexual activity with many partners and those who are heavy tobacco users. Currently, radiation therapy is a highly recommended treatment plan for this disease and has shown promising results.
Recommended Citation
Patel, Kunjal and Thomas, Aleesha
(2024)
"The Transmission of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma,"
Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal: Vol. 2024, Article 6.
Available at:
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/mako/vol2024/iss1/6
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Bacterial Infections and Mycoses Commons, Cancer Biology Commons, Education Commons, Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Commons, Respiratory Tract Diseases Commons