Case of an Incidentally Found Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tonsil: Are We Underestimating Its Incidence?

A 65-year-old male was incidentally found to have a human papillomavirus-16 (HPV)-associated squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil. His only major risk factor was chronic and heavy alcohol and smoking history. Fortunately, surgery, followed by chemoradiation led to clinical remission. HPV is a common and known cause of oro- and anogenital squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, unlike anogenital SCC, there is no screening method available for the detection of oro-genital SCC. HPV vaccination is known to prevent a majority of these cancers. However, rates of HPV vaccination have been declining in the United States, thus causing an increase in these preventable cancers. This case report highlights the need for increased HPV vaccination rates, which can only be made through adequate physician recommendations and patient education.