HPV-Associated Oral and Throat Cancer: What You Need to Know

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/hpv-oral-throat-cancer

Introduction

### Course Review: HPV-Associated Oral and Throat Cancer: What You Need to Know In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, it has become increasingly important for medical professionals to stay informed about the factors influencing patient health, particularly in relation to diseases caused by viral infections. The Coursera course titled **“HPV-Associated Oral and Throat Cancer: What You Need to Know,”** offered by the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, stands out as an essential resource for healthcare providers and interested individuals alike. #### Course Overview This comprehensive course provides a deep dive into the implications of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as a significant risk factor for oral and throat cancers. Tailored for primary care physicians, otolaryngologists, medical students, and nurses, it also welcomes anyone keen on broadening their understanding of HPV and its consequences. Participants can expect a rigorous academic structure accompanied by real-world applications, enhancing not only their theoretical knowledge but practical insights into managing HPV-related health issues. #### Syllabus Breakdown The course is neatly divided into four core modules, each addressing crucial aspects of HPV-associated throat cancer: 1. **Module I: HPV-associated Throat Cancer: An Epidemic** - This module sets the stage by explaining the nature of HPV and detailing the alarming rise of throat cancer attributed to it. The discussion on population awareness and the pervasive misinformation surrounding HPV is particularly enlightening, underscoring the necessity for improved public health education. 2. **Module II: HPV Risk Factors and Clinical Presentation** - Diving deeper, this section addresses transmission routes and the risk factors leading to HPV-associated cancers. Participants will learn to recognize the signs of early-stage cancer and the manifestations of advanced disease, empowering them to be more vigilant in clinical settings. 3. **Module III: Management of HPV-associated Oropharyngeal Cancer** - A particularly critical module, it reviews treatment options for oropharyngeal throat cancer, weighing the pros and cons of various methods. Understanding treatment indications and contraindications is vital for improving patient outcomes, making this section invaluable for practitioners. 4. **Module IV: Prevention, Vaccination, and the Horizon** - The final module emphasizes prevention strategies, including the highly effective HPV vaccine. Here, common questions and concerns about vaccination are addressed, enabling healthcare professionals to better educate their patients on prevention tactics. #### Continuing Medical Education (CME) Information As a certified continuing medical education activity, this course allows participants to earn valuable CME credits, an essential requirement for many healthcare professionals to maintain their licensure. #### Activity Evaluation At the end of the course, learners are encouraged to complete an evaluation, which is vital for the continuous improvement of educational content. #### Recommendation **“HPV-Associated Oral and Throat Cancer: What You Need to Know”** comes highly recommended for anyone involved in healthcare, especially those within primary and specialized care related to head and neck surgery. The course is not only informative and well-structured but also relevant in addressing a growing health threat. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner looking to update your knowledge, a medical student eager to deepen your understanding of infectious diseases, or a healthcare worker wanting to better support your patients, this course provides the necessary insights and tools to navigate the complexities surrounding HPV and its associated risks. Enrol today to enhance your medical acumen and potentially save lives through better awareness and intervention strategies regarding HPV-associated cancers.

Syllabus

CME Information and Accreditation

This module describes the nature of the Human Papillomavirus and the effect of a viral infection. The module explains the emerging epidemic and its impact on the development of throat cancer. The module concludes with the current state of population awareness and the impact that erroneous information can have on the spread of disease and the risk of malignancy.

This module describes the risk factors associated with transmission of HPV and the development of HPV-associated cancer. We will review how the virus is transmitted and malignant transformation. We will also explore the clinical presentation of HPV-associated throat cancer, early signs, and the clinical manifestations of advanced disease.

This module describes options for treating oropharyngeal throat cancer and the advantages and disadvantages of each option. In this module, we discuss the indications and contraindications for treatment.

This module describes nature of HPV infection and techniques for preventing infection. This module reviews the nature of the HPV vaccine and its effectiveness. We also review indications for vaccination and commonly asked questions.

All learners are urged to complete an evaluation. Your comments are essential for improving the effectiveness of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai’s continuing medical education activities.