It is believed that oncogenic types of HPV (mainly HPV 16) are the causal factors in 25-35% of head and neck cancers (mouth cavity, base of tongue, tonsils, pharynx, and larynx). We are not fully aware, however, of the exact carcinogenesis process in this area as compared to the cervix (premalignant lesions which develop into cancer if left untreated). Therefore, the vaccine cannot officially be recommended, since there are no studies on the prevention of head and neck cancers.
Head and neck cancers usually appear after the age of 50. The beneficial coverage of the vaccine is therefore expected to be proven at a later date, if the incidence of these cancers drops in people who were vaccinated when they were children and teenagers.
