The Impact of HPV Infection on the Development of Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Single-Center Experience
Dan-Alexandru Popescu, Simona-Andreea Rujan, Bianca-Petra Taher, Raluca Grigore, Alexandra Maria Marin, Gloria-Simona Bertesteanu, Diana Cosmina Dragan, Bogdan Popescu, Irina Doinita Popescu, Serban Vifor Gabriel Bertesteanu, Mihai-Dumitru TudosieAhead of print, October, 2026
Article DOI: 10.21614/chirurgia.3317
Introduction: The oropharynx has been consistently identified as the predominant anatomical site for HPV-positive squamous cell carcinoma, which has been strongly associated with risk factors such as tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. However, over the past 20-30 years, a significant increase in cases associated with infection with HPV has been observed.
Material and Methods: We analyzed a database comprising 53 patients who presented to our clinic with oropharyngeal cancer and unknown HPV status over the past two years. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and artificial intelligence-assisted analytical tools.
Results: This report provides a statistical review of 53 patient records. The dataset contains one continuous variable (Age) and five key categorical baseline variables (Sex, Stage, HPV Status, Smoking Status, and Alcohol Consumption). The results suggest the measured baseline variables are largely independent and that age is not obviously confounded with any single baseline factor.
Conclusions: The study population consisted mainly of middle-aged to elderly individuals, with a mean age of around 63 years. Risk factors such as tobacco use and alcohol consumption remain common among patients with OPC, even among those with HPV-positive tumors.
Material and Methods: We analyzed a database comprising 53 patients who presented to our clinic with oropharyngeal cancer and unknown HPV status over the past two years. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and artificial intelligence-assisted analytical tools.
Results: This report provides a statistical review of 53 patient records. The dataset contains one continuous variable (Age) and five key categorical baseline variables (Sex, Stage, HPV Status, Smoking Status, and Alcohol Consumption). The results suggest the measured baseline variables are largely independent and that age is not obviously confounded with any single baseline factor.
Conclusions: The study population consisted mainly of middle-aged to elderly individuals, with a mean age of around 63 years. Risk factors such as tobacco use and alcohol consumption remain common among patients with OPC, even among those with HPV-positive tumors.
Keywords: HPV status, oropharyngeal cancer, squamous cell carcinoma
