Question

What is the most common cause for squamous cell carcinoma at the base of the tongue?

• A. EBV
• B. HPV
• C. HCV
• D. CMV

Hint:

Base of tongue and tonsillar SCC are commonly linked to HPV, especially HPV-16.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the primary etiological factor associated with Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) specifically located at the base of the tongue (Oropharynx).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Oropharyngeal Cancer Trends: While tobacco and alcohol were historically the leading causes, there has been a significant epidemiological shift.

Role of HPV: Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly the high-risk strain HPV-16, is now the most common cause of oropharyngeal SCC, including cancers at the base of the tongue and tonsils.

Clinical Characteristics: HPV-associated tongue base cancers often occur in younger patients, may not be associated with a heavy tobacco history, and generally have a better prognosis and response to treatment compared to tobacco-related cancers.

Analyzing other options:

EBV (A): Primarily associated with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma and Burkitt lymphoma.

HCV (C): Associated with hepatocellular carcinoma.

CMV (D): Not typically oncogenic in the context of oral cancers.


Step 3: Final Answer:
HPV infection is recognized as the predominant causative agent for squamous cell carcinomas arising in the oropharyngeal sites like the base of the tongue.