Virus causing head and neck cancer ?

Chitranjjan National Cancer Institute Kolkata - 2021

Pathology & Genetics

Easy

Appeared in: Chitranjjan National Cancer Institute Kolkata - 2021

Explanation

High-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly type 16, is a major cause of head and neck cancers, specifically oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (cancers of the tonsils and base of the tongue).
The oncogenic (cancer-causing) effect of HPV is driven by its viral proteins, E6 and E7.
The E6 protein inactivates the p53 tumor suppressor gene, while the E7 protein inactivates the retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor gene, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation.

Option A: While Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is an oncogenic virus, it is primarily associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (a specific type of head and neck cancer), Burkitt lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma. HPV is a more significant cause for the broader category of head and neck cancers, especially oropharyngeal cancers.
Option B: There is no strong, established causal link between Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and the development of head and neck cancers.
Option D: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a well-known cause of liver disease, including chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). It does not cause head and neck cancer.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Oncogenic Viruses and Cancer Association as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in educating patients and parents about the HPV vaccine, which is a primary prevention strategy against HPV-related cancers, including those of the head and neck.
For patients diagnosed with HPV-positive head and neck cancer, nurses provide care related to radiation and chemotherapy, manage side effects like mucositis and dysphagia, and offer psychosocial support.
What if? If a patient from Southern China presented with a neck mass, the suspicion for Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) causing nasopharyngeal carcinoma would be much higher due to the endemic nature of this specific cancer in that region.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core of the question: it asks for a viral cause of 'head and neck cancer.'
This is a factual recall question. Systematically review the options and recall the primary cancer associated with each virus.
Recall that EBV is linked to nasopharyngeal cancer (a type of head/neck cancer) and lymphomas.
Recall that HSV is not a major cause of cancer.
Recall that HPV is strongly linked to oropharyngeal (a major subset of head/neck) and cervical cancers.
Recall that HBV is linked to liver cancer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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