Dismissing links between HPV and aggressive tongue cancer in young patients

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study is to disprove and dismiss etiological links between human papillomavirus (HPV) and aggressive tongue cancer in young patients. Methods: Review of available literature with focus on presenting the epidemiological, histological and immunohistochemical arguments against an association between HPV and aggressive glossal neoplasm in younger populations. Conclusion: HPV is not associated with the recent surge in the incidence of biologically aggressive oral cavity cancer in young populations. © The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology.