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Review
. 2009 Apr;88(4):300-6.
doi: 10.1177/0022034509333371.

Human papillomavirus and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: recent evidence and clinical implications

P T Hennessey  1 , W H Westra, J A Califano
Affiliations
Review

Human papillomavirus and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: recent evidence and clinical implications

P T Hennessey et al. J Dent Res. 2009 Apr.

Abstract

Over the past 20 years, high-risk human papilloma-virus (HPV) infection has been established as a risk factor for developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, independent of tobacco and alcohol use. In particular, HPV is strongly associated with the development of oropharyngeal cancer and a small minority of oral cavity cancers. In this review, we summarize what is currently known about the biology of HPV, the mechanisms by which it effects malignant transformation, and the potential impact of HPV status on the clinical management of persons with head and neck cancer.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma evaluated by routine hematoxylin and eosin staining (box 1), p16 immunostaining (box 2), and HPV-16 in situ hybridization (box 3). Tumor islands demonstrate characteristic basaloid appearance and lymphocytic infiltration.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Fine-needle aspirate of a metastatic squamous cell carcinoma evaluated by routine hematoxylin and eosin staining (row 1), p16 immunostaining (row 2), and HPV in situ hybridization (row 3). A fragment of viable tumor (left column) is strongly p16-positive and HPV16-positive. In areas of cellular degeneration (right column), the tumor cells lose their p16 immunoreactivity, but retain their HPV16 hybridization signals. (Previously published in Begum et al., 2007. Used with permission.)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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