CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS OF ORAL HPV TRANSMISSION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HEAD AND NECK NEOPLASMS

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays an increasing role in the etiology of head and neck cancers, especially in the oropharynx and oral cavity, with genotypes 16 and 18 being the most common. Oral transmission occurs predominantly through intimate contact with infected mucous membranes, with oral sex being the main route, which explains the increased incidence of these tumors in young, non-smoking, and alcohol-abstaining individuals. This study, conducted through an integrative literature review of PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, Web of Science, and BVS databases, included publications published between 2010 and 2025 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The results show that HPV-positive tumors have a better prognosis and greater therapeutic response, but they also present significant functional impacts, such as dysphagia, speech changes, and nutritional impairment, compromising quality of life. Viral detection, through molecular tests and markers such as p16INK4a, is essential for etiological diagnosis and individualized treatment planning. Prevention is the central focus of controlling these neoplasms, with HPV vaccination being the most effective strategy for reducing their incidence. Despite the free availability of the vaccine in Brazil, low uptake, especially among boys, compromises herd immunity. Educational campaigns and awareness-raising initiatives, such as "Green July," combined with expanded vaccination coverage and early screening of suspicious oral lesions, are essential for reducing morbidity and mortality. It is concluded that the integration of public policies, molecular diagnosis, health education, and a multidisciplinary approach represents the basis for controlling HPV-associated head and neck neoplasms.