Oral sex has replaced smoking as the leading cause of throat cancer. In the field of oncology, human papillomavirus (HPV) has replaced tobacco and alcohol as the primary pathogenic factor for oropharyngeal cancer, representing a significant shift that is particularly noteworthy.

This specific strain, most commonly HPV-16, primarily attacks the tonsils and the posterior pharynx, where it persists and replicates. While the human body can clear most HPV infections, persistent infection triggers cellular changes that can ultimately develop into malignant tumors.