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Altered presentation of oropharyngeal cancer, a 6-year review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) continues to increase in incidence. Patients are younger, non-smokers and most commonly present with a neck mass often with no other symptoms. This altered presentation compared with non-HPV OPSCC may not be recognized by medical practitioners, leading to delayed diagnosis. METHODS: Patients with histopathological confirmation of OPSCC and known HPV and/or P16 status who presented to our institution between 2012-2017 inclusive were included in the study. Demographic data, tumour characteristics and presenting symptoms were retrospectivxely obtained from both electronic- and paper-based records. Descriptive statistics were used to report demographic data and the two sample t-test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare groups based on HPV status. Time to diagnosis was also reported. RESULTS: A total of 184 patients were included in the study. The majority of patients were male (85.4%) and HPV + (85.3%). The tonsillar complex (53.8%) and tongue base (42.4%) were the most common primary sites. HPV+ patients were less likely to smoke (17.8%) and they commonly presented with a neck mass (39.5% alone or with other symptoms 61.2%). Time to diagnosis in the HPV+ group was longer (15 weeks). CONCLUSION: Our review has highlighted the altered presentation of OPSCC due to the increased incidence of HPV infection. We showed a delayed time to diagnosis in HPV+ OPSCC compared with non-HPV disease. This confirms the importance of focusing our efforts on educating medical practitioners and creating further awareness to facilitate early detection and treatment.

Type Journal
ISBN 1445-2197 (Electronic) 1445-1433 (Linking)
Authors Floros, P.; Rao, A.; McCloy, R. A.; Sim, H. W.; Chin, V. T.; Leavers, B. C.; Crawford, J. A.; Gallagher, R. M.
Publisher Name ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY
Published Date 2021-06-30
Published Volume 91
Published Issue 6
Published Pages 1240-1245
Status Published in-print
DOI 10.1111/ans.16537
URL link to publisher's version https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33438358