By analyzing the results of recent studies and research in the field, the importance of determining the p16 protein in any patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma, the modification of surgical, radiotherapeutic, and chemotherapeutic treatment in western Romania, and also the different prognosis of p16-positive oropharyngeal cancer compared to p16-negative oropharyngeal carcinoma will be highlighted in this geographical region. The gene discussed is CDKN2A; the disease is oropharyngeal carcinoma.