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

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