Review article: relationship of human papillomavirus with papillary squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract: a review

Int J Surg Pathol. 2008 Apr;16(2):127-36. doi: 10.1177/1066896908314700. Epub 2008 Apr 2.

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to evaluate case reports of papillary squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) of the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) to assess its relationship with human papillomavirus (HPV). The medical literature was searched for case reports of this condition. A total of 115 cases of PSCC were found that described the condition in sufficient detail. HPV detection was performed in only 22 of the 115 cases of PSCC (19%), and 11 of the 22 cases (50%) are related to this virus. The majority of cases related to HPV are produced by low-risk HPV type 6 followed by high-risk HPV type 16. Today, the association of HPV with PSCCs seems unclear because in the majority of patients tests were not performed for the detection of the HPV. This association should be clearly established to make a correct diagnosis and propose the best therapeutic strategies, such as new vaccines.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alphapapillomavirus / genetics
  • Alphapapillomavirus / isolation & purification*
  • Alphapapillomavirus / pathogenicity
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / virology*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / virology*
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • Genotype
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / virology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Palatine Tonsil / pathology
  • Palatine Tonsil / surgery
  • Palatine Tonsil / virology
  • Papillomavirus Infections / pathology
  • Papillomavirus Infections / virology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Tonsillar Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tonsillar Neoplasms / surgery
  • Tonsillar Neoplasms / virology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Virus Infections / pathology
  • Tumor Virus Infections / virology*

Substances

  • DNA, Viral