Different risk factors in basaloid and common squamous head and neck cancer

The prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), cigarette smoking and alcohol abuse was compared between two histological subgroups of head and neck cancer.

Retrospective review.

Paraffin-embedded, histologically confirmed surgical specimens from the oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx, comprising 67 conventional squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and 10 basaloid squamous cell carcinomas (BSCC), were analyzed for the presence of HPV and HSV DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. The PCR products were verified by direct sequencing. Patient charts were reviewed for clinical data and risk factors.

Given an overall HPV DNA detection rate of 32.5%, a basaloid morphology of the carcinomas correlated significantly with occurrence of HPV DNA (P =.0001). An association could also be demonstrated between basaloid appearance and evidence of HSV DNA (single and combined with HPV DNA; P =.014 and 0.0429, respectively), even if this result based on a low overall HSV DNA detection rate (6.5%). Demonstration of viral DNA in the BSCC specimens was not related to tobacco or alcohol consumption. In contrast, cigarette smoking proved as significant characteristic of SCC (P =.0087). Alcohol abuse occurred also predominately in patients with SCC, but without statistical significance.

These results hint at differences in the etiology of two distinct histological entities of head and neck cancer. Further research in this field could complete these preliminary data and provide the background for specific preventive strategies.