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Pathology · single question

In the United States, HPV (especially type 16) is now the leading cause of cancer in which site?

  1. Oropharynx (tonsils/base of tongue)
  2. Hard palate
  3. Lower lip
  4. Floor of mouth
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Correct answer: A. Oropharynx (tonsils/base of tongue)

  • A. Correct. HPV-associated (HPV-16) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma — tonsils and base of tongue — is now the leading HPV-related cancer in the U.S. and is rising, often in younger, non-smoking patients.
  • B. The hard palate is not the predominant HPV cancer site.
  • C. Lower-lip cancer is mainly linked to sun/UV exposure.
  • D. Floor-of-mouth cancer is mainly linked to tobacco and alcohol.

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