Question: A 53 year old male undergoes uncomplicated transoral excision of a tumor involving the left palatine tonsil and simultaneous neck dissection. Pathologic analysis revealed a moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. P16 staining is positive. What is P16?

a) CDK inhibitor that prevents G1 to S phase progression

b) Oncogene involved in G0 phase of the cell cycle

c) Cell membrane transmembrane protein involved in molecular transport

d) Protein product of gene underexpressed in HPV related squamous cell carcinoma

[Answer will be posted with next week's new question]

Answer to last week's question, “Rebuilding Phase" (June 17, 2019)

D - Bone cement and PORP offer similar hearing outcomes.