Pathology · single question
What is the most common cause of cancer in the tonsils?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. HPV 16
- A. INCORRECT. HIV is a risk modifier but not the direct oncogenic cause here.
- B. CORRECT. HPV type 16 is the leading cause of oropharyngeal and tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma.
- C. INCORRECT. EBV is linked to nasopharyngeal carcinoma, not tonsillar SCC.
- D. INCORRECT. HSV is not a recognized cause of tonsillar cancer.