Manifestations of HIV in the Head and Neck.

The worldwide incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is increasing. The head and neck is a primary site for numerous manifestations of HIV disease, and it is clear that one or more of these processes will eventually affect most patients. HIV-infected patients are susceptible to all of the usual problems encountered in the head and neck, and the disease poses unique and significant problems rarely encountered in the non-HIV-infected patient. These problems include otolaryngic infections, inflammatory processes, and malignancies. The institution of highly active antiretroviral medications has significantly decreased the mortality and morbidity of this disease, and has resulted in significant improvements in quality of life. However, antiretroviral therapy can also suppress widely disseminated disease in the usual locations so that the head and neck becomes the presenting anatomic site for these processes. It is important for the health care team to be aware of these problems so that early diagnosis and treatment can be provided.