Human Papillomavirus Infection as a Risk Factor for Squamous-Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

• Published in: The New England journal of medicine Vol. 345; no. 5; pp. 376 - 377
• Main Authors: Sabio, J M, Pasquau, J, Jiménez-Alonso, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Massachusetts Medical Society 02-08-2001
• Subjects: Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - virology; Head and Neck Neoplasms - virology; HIV Infections - complications; Humans; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections - complications; Risk Factors; Tumor Virus Infections - complications
• ISSN: 0028-4793; 1533-4406
• DOI: 10.1056/NEJM200108023450515

To the Editor:
Mork et al. (April 12 issue)
1
suggest that infection with human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) may be a risk factor for squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Other studies have shown that rates of HPV infection are higher in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection than in the healthy population
2
and that the incidence of anogenital cancer is increased in people with HIV infection or AIDS. An increased incidence of squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck and other possible HPV-associated cancers, such as esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma, might also be expected in patients with HIV . . .