Tongue and tonsil carcinoma

Abstract

BACKGROUNDAn increasing incidence of oral carcinoma among young adults has been reported in the U.S. and Europe. Although the association between human papillomavirus infection and tonsillar carcinoma is now well established, to the authors' knowledge little is known about incidence trends in tonsillar carcinoma among younger adults. The objective of the current study was to explore the trends in both oral cavity and pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in younger U.S. populations, in particular tongue and tonsillar SCC.METHODSUsing the 1973–2001 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database, we computed age, race, and site‐specific trends of oral and pharyngeal (excluding nasopharynx) carcinoma incidence rates. The percent change (PC) and annual percent change (APC) were computed to explore trends in incidence rates over time.RESULTSThere were 2262 SCC of the oral cavity and 1251 SCC of the pharynx reported to the SEER program from 1973 to 2001 in adults aged 20–44 years. There was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of oral tongue SCC (APC = +2.1; P < 0.001), base of tongue SCC (APC = +1.7; P = 0.04), and palatine tonsil SCC (APC = +3.9; P < 0.001) among younger white individuals, whereas the incidence of SCC in all other oral and pharyngeal sites decreased or remained constant.CONCLUSIONSThe increase in tonsil SCC incidence from 1973 to 2001 paralleled the increase in tongue SCC, whereas SCC in all other oral and pharyngeal sites remained constant or decreased. This may suggest similar etiologic factors for SCC affecting the palatine tonsils and tongue in younger populations. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.

Human Papillomavirus-Associated Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Survival: A Comparison by Tumor Site and Initial Treatment

“…Recent surveys from the US and Western Europe indicate an increase in the incidence of oropharyngeal cancers, particularly those of the tonsil and base of tongue [28][29][30] accumulating evidence supports the role of HPV infections in driving these upward trends [31][32][33][34][35]. As reported by others [1] HPV-positive HNSCC tends to be of oropharyngeal origin, diagnosed at a later stage, and found in younger individuals.…”

Association of p16INK4a overexpression with improved outcomes in young patients with squamous cell cancers of the oral tongue

“…1 Older patients with a history of tobacco and/or alcohol abuse represent the most common demographic affected by HNSCC. Unfortunately, HNSCC has been increasing in incidence among younger patients, 2,3 who often lack these traditional risk factors. 4 One unique subgroup of patients that has been identified is young patients with squamous cell cancers (SCC) of the oral tongue.…”

“…4 One unique subgroup of patients that has been identified is young patients with squamous cell cancers (SCC) of the oral tongue. 2,3 It has been hypothesized by others that the increasing incidence of HNSCC in young patients is related to infection with high-risk subtypes of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV-positive tumors are typically found in the oropharynx 5 and have been associated with younger patients who are less likely to be smokers or drinkers 5 and with improved response to therapy and overall survival.…”

Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus in Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Multicenter Study in Japan

“…Since the 1970s, the incidence rates of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), particularly those of the tongue base and tonsils, have risen steadily in the USA and northern Europe [3,4,5]. In the USA, the incidence of OPSCC increased from 1973 to 2004, particularly among young individuals, males and whites [6,7].…”