Via practica 5/2015

Current view on the epidemiology head and neck cancer

Tobacco use and alcohol consumption are the main risk factors associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma development due to their cytotoxic effects on the exposed epithelia of the upper aerodigestive tract. Human papilloma virus (HPV) and Epstein-Barré virus encoding viral oncoproteins able to interfere with the cell cycle, have been recognized as the ethiological agents the subgroup of oropharyngeal cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer. The purpose of this review is to show the changing epidemiology of head and neck cancer. The authors suggest the ways of effective combat against the cigarette smoking and overused alcohol and protection the HPV infection.

Keywords: head and neck cancer, smoking, alcohol, HPV infection, prevention.