Oral vs Oropharyngeal Cancer: HPV's Role Explained - Dr Thangarajan Rajkumar, Medgenome

In this video, Dr Thangarajan Rajkumar, Director of Research (Oncology) at MedGenome, explains the key differences between oral cavity cancers and oropharyngeal cancers.

He emphasizes that tobacco use and alcohol consumption are the primary risk factors for oral cavity cancers, and that the combined use of both significantly increases the risk.

Dr Rajkumar also discusses the important role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the development of oropharyngeal cancers, particularly the contribution of high-risk HPV subtypes such as HPV-16.

He highlights how HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers differ from those caused by traditional risk factors, often affecting younger individuals without a history of tobacco or alcohol use.

The video also addresses the critical role of HPV vaccination in cancer prevention, recommending immunization for both girls and boys. Dr. Rajkumar outlines the ideal vaccination schedule, available vaccines, and the long-term benefits of early prevention.