Pathology · single question
What is the most common cause of tonsillar/oropharyngeal cancer in the United States?
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Correct answer: B. HPV-16 (Human Papillomavirus type 16)
HPV-16 is now the leading cause of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) in the United States, surpassing tobacco and alcohol. Tonsillar cancer and base-of-tongue cancer are the most common sites. HPV-positive OPSCCs have a better prognosis than HPV-negative ones. The rise is linked to sexual transmission. HIV is an immunosuppressant that increases cancer risk broadly but is not the specific cause.