Human papillomavirus in oral squamous cell carcinoma using p16 and its co‑relationship with cervical lymph node metastasis and clinicopathological parameters

Abstract

Background: Due to the increasing prevalence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in Iran
and especially in young people, this study aimed to identify human papillomavirus (HPV) using p16
in OSCC.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive‑analytical cross‑sectional study, 40 samples from the
archives of the Pathology Department of Kashani Hospital were selected by a definitive diagnosis
of OSCC with neck dissection. Demographic information including age, gender, location, and size
of the lesion was obtained. Samples were divided into two groups based on lymph node (LN)
metastasis. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for p16. Data were entered into SPSS
24 software and statistically analyzed by t‑test, ANOVA, and Spearman nonparametric test. P <0.05
was statistically significant.
Results: The mean age of patients was 59.7 ± 17.11 which in terms of age and gender there
was no significant difference between the two groups including with and without cervical LN
metastasis (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups based on the
grade of tumor, perninural invasion, tumor size and location (P > 0.05). The only significant difference
between the two groups was based on lymphovascular invasion and disease stage (P < 0.05). The
p16 expression also showed a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: In OSCCs without cervical LN metastasis, a significant increase in p16 expression
was observed compared to samples with cervical LNs metastasis. The presence of HPV was higher
in samples with less LNs metastasis and possibly a better prognosis.
Key Words: Immunohistochemistry, neoplasms, papillomaviridae