Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Based on the potential on carcinogenesis, HPV is classified into high- and low-risk types. The most common high-risk types are HPV16 and HPV18 that are the causative agents for uterus cervical carcinoma. Recent studies have shown that HPV is associated with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (nasal pharynx, oropharynx, and larynx), especially the tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma in oropharynx. However, the role of HPV infection in head and neck carcinogenesis is not fully established. Currently there is no specific therapeutic for HPV-induced cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to immunize adolescent girls and boys in order to prevent HPV infection and HPV-associated cancers.
