Second primary head and neck tumor risk in patients with cervical cancer—SEER data analysis

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes >99% of cervical carcinomas and is associated with approximately 25% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). The role of HPV infection in HNSCC development after a first diagnosis of cervical cancer is unknown. Using the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data, the authors compared the risk of second primary cancer (SPC) HNSCC in patients with cervical cancer with the general population and with females with other primary cancers. The lifetime risk of SPC HNSCC for patients with cervical cancer was higher than in the general population (standardized incidence ratio [SIR]: 1.7). When compared with that in females with other cancers, the risk of anogenital and oropharyngeal SPC was in excess, but not of SPC in the oral cavity. Patients with cervical cancer develop an excess SPC HNSCC in comparison with females with other cancers. A possible role of HPV is suggested.