Human papilloma virus-related oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: An assessment of histomorphological features

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) has emerged as an important cause of oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC and OPSCC). Cancers with HPV as a causative agent are seen to exhibit certain specific histomorphological features. Aim: This study aims to describe the histomorphology of oral and oropharyngeal cancers and discuss their association with HPV. Material and Methods: Hospital-based prospective study done over 31 months (December 2018–April 2021), including a total of 90 cases of OSCC and OPSCC. They were subjected to detailed histopathological evaluation, DNA polymerase chain reaction testing for testing of HPV association, followed by the analysis of data by statistical methods. Results: Out of a total of 90, 73 cases were OSCC and 17, OPSCC. A total of 15 cases were HPV positive. HPV status was found to be significantly associated with purely nonkeratinizing tumors and hybrid/mixed squamous cell carcinomas, pushing the pattern of invasion, absence of perineural invasion, presence of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, moderate-to-dense host lymphocyte response, loose stromal response, absence of tumor budding, and high mitotic rate (>20/10 hpf). Conclusion: HPV-positive OSCC and OPSCC have distinct histomorphological features and careful analysis of the same can assist in identifying these types of cancers better and thus help in prognostication and treatment.