Changing face of head and neck cancer: Role of human papillomavirus beyond cervical cancer

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) have been an area of interest since last two decades because of its potential role in the pathogenesis of malignant tumors. Approximately 35 years ago a role of human papillomaviruses (HPV) in cervical cancer has been postulated. Today it is well established that this very heterogeneous virus family harbours important human carcinogens, causing not only the vast majority of cervical, but also a substantial proportion of other anogenital and head and neck cancers. This review article has attempted to briefly analyze the present state of linking HPV to human cancers and have discussed some emerging developments. We have emphasized on the fact that HPV positive and negative cancer behave differently and should have separate treatment strategy.