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Pathology · single question

Which of the following statements about human papillomavirus (HPV) and oral cancer is TRUE?

  1. HPV is not associated with oropharyngeal cancer
  2. HPV is now the most common identifiable cause of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in the U.S.
  3. HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer is more common in women than men
  4. HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer has no association with the tonsils or base of tongue
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Correct answer: B. HPV is now the most common identifiable cause of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in the U.S.

HPV (especially HPV-16) is now the leading identifiable cause of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in the U.S., overtaking tobacco/alcohol-related cases. National data confirm this cancer is consistently and substantially more common in men than women, and it classically arises in the tonsils and base of tongue (lymphoid-rich tissue).

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