Viruses and neoplastic growth

At present, information concerning the role of viruses in the pathogenesis of human neoplasms is fragmented and incomplete. It is clear that their role is complex, and a complete understanding of the intricacies involved in viral interaction with the human genome may still take many years. New virologic study techniques can be expected to emerge and epidemiologic studies will continue. With each new report, a bit more will be understood, new hypotheses stimulated, and additional studies undertaken. The identification of viral agents as causative agents of neoplasia and the pathogenetic mechanisms by which they act will have a profound effect on our approaches to oral cancer.