HPV and Oral Cancer — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateOral PathologyHPV and Oral CancerMFDS Part 1

Which human papillomavirus genotype accounts for the majority of HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas?

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Correct answer: C — HPV16

HPV16 is the genotype responsible for the great majority of HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas, particularly tumours arising in the palatine tonsils and base of tongue. UKHSA states that the evidence for a causal association with cancer is greatest for HPV16. HPV18 and HPV33 are oncogenic high-risk genotypes but are much less frequently identified in HPV-driven oropharyngeal carcinoma; HPV18 should not be presented as approximately equivalent to HPV16 in this setting. HPV6 and HPV11 are low-risk types classically associated with anogenital warts and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis rather than squamous cell carcinoma.

Reference: UK Health Security Agency. Green Book, Chapter 18a: Human papillomavirus, natural history of HPV-related cancers, 19 June 2023. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/649032b6b32b9e000ca969a7/HPV-green-book-chapter-18a-June-2023.pdf