Human papilloma virus infection in Indian nasopharyngeal carcinomas in relation to the histology of tumour.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare malignancy world-wide. It shows an increasing trend in the southern parts of India. Genetic alterations brought about by environmental factors, HPV and EBV are thought to be crucial for NPC carcinogenesis. This study reports for the first time the incidence of HPV infection in NPC in Southern India. Detection of HPV was carried out in 36 NPC and 10 adenoid lesions by immunohistochemical analysis. 38.8% of NPC were positive for HPV with higher positivity in WHO Type I and WHO Type II cancers. One among 10 adenoid lesions also showed presence of HPV. The patients belonged to low socio-economic status and had exposure to either tobacco or alcohol alone or in combination or kitchen smoke.