Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – Structure, epidemiology and pathogenesis

Publication date: September–October 2014 Source:Otolaryngologia Polska, Volume 68, Issue 5 Author(s): Kamal Morshed , Dorota Polz-Gruszka , Marcin Szymański , Małgorzata Polz-Dacewicz The number of cancers is constantly increasing. An important role in the etiology of many of them is played by the viral factor, by oncogenic viruses, such as the Human Papillomavirus. The article shows current epidemiological situation and describes the structure of the virus and modes of transmission. It also explains the role of HPV infection in cancer with particular emphasis on oropharynx and head and neck cancer. Summarizing, HPV infection plays an important role in carcinogenesis of the oropharynx tumors. The presence of viral genetic material in the tumor may influence prognosis and treatment method choices.
Source: Otolaryngologia Polska - Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research