The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is rising and this increase is linked to sexual behaviors. Viral and epidemiological studies have linked tonsillar and base of tongue carcinoma with a human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. The patients involved are usually younger and do not exhibit other risk factors such as smoking and alcohol abuse. HPV positive squamous cell carcinoma are associated with a better prognosis than other head and neck carcinoma. Differences in the carcinogenesis mechanisms open options for different and specific oncologic treatments and the potential for prevention of these HPV-related carcinoma by vaccination.