Clinical features of HPV-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: presentation and work-up.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) that arises as a result of the activity of human papillomavirus (HPV) malignant transformation has a distinct disease pattern that is the basis for its clinical presentation. A clear understanding of these distinct clinical features enables diagnosticians to maintain awareness and index of suspicion to avoid delays in detection and select the most effective and thorough measures of evaluating the disease and directing treatment selection. Attention is focused on the broader demographic at risk for developing HPV-related HNSCC, the phenomenon of cystic cervical nodal metastases, and the unknown or occult primary cancer.