Relations between human papilloma virus infection and head and neck cancers / 中国癌症杂志

ABSTRACT

Human papillomavirus is an oncogenic DNA virus and has more than 90 subtypes. High risk types (HPV 16, 18, 33) are associated with many kinds of malignant neoplasms of head and neck. The HPV DNA can induce mutations of p53, RB genes and increase cell transformation and over proliferation. The frequences of HPV positive are different in malignant neoplasms from different head and neck sites. HPV was more often detected in squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity, oropharynx and larynx. In nasopharyngeal carcinoma, adenocarcinoma or lymphoma, the expression of HPV was quite low. The detection of HPV in cervical metastatic lymph nodes can improve diagnosis of primary sites.