Changes in Time to Diagnosis of HPV + Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND

Timely referral to subspecialty care remains critical for expedited work up and treatment of HPV+ oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPSCC). It is not known if there have been changes in time to diagnosis as the incidence of this disease rises.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of 312 patients treated for HPV+ OPSCC at a tertiary referral clinic between 2013 and 2022.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in time to diagnosis based on year of presentation (p < 0.001). More patients presented with early-stage disease (AJCC 7 Stage I or II) over time (p = 0.002). Presenting symptom (p = 0.021) and patient location ≥ 50 miles from our tertiary referral clinic (p = 0.039) also affected time to diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Time to diagnosis of HPV+ OPSCC changed based on year of presentation, and a higher proportion of patients presented with early-stage disease in more recent years. This may reflect an increased public awareness of HPV+ OPSCC and its symptoms.