Stephen Tudge recently attended the 15th annual scientific meeting of the Australian and New Zealand Head and Neck Cancer society, held locally in Melbourne.
The increasing incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil and base of tongue area related to human papilloma virus infection was discussed, including the place of transoral surgery vs radiotherapy and chemotherapy for treatment.
It is important to note that the Guardasil vaccine will prevent the majority of these tumours and I strongly recommend this for all girls and boys before they become sexually active.