Primary Care Updates in Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancers

Human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancers (HPV-OPCs) are a major health problem globally. Trends indicate increasing incidence of HPV-OPCs. Vaccination allows opportunities to prevent HPV-OPC and other HPV-associated cancers. However, US vaccination rates are very low. Those diagnosed and treated for HPV-OPC have long-term effects impacting the rest of their lives. This article will focus on HPV-OPC trends and major staging classification changes, reviews treatment modalities and survivorship issues, and will discuss primary prevention to impact the incidence of HPV-OPCs.