The Journal of the South Carolina Medical Association
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Review Comparative Study
Human papillomavirus and head and neck cancer: a growing concern.
Head and neck cancer is increasing in incidence in patients without the usual risk factors for the disease. Practitioners need to be aware that young, non-smoking patients are also at risk for certain types of head and neck cancer. ⋯ There is strong epidemiological and laboratory evidence that HPV is a cause of head and neck cancer. Therefore, any patient with persistent lesions, ulcers, swallowing difficulty, change in voice, or neck mass needs prompt referral to an otolaryngologist- head and neck surgeon.