[Human papilloma virus and lymphatic metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix]

Our study included 112 patients with squamous cell cervical carcinoma la-lib stages (FIGO). All of them were restaged on the basis of histological evidence after surgical treatment. Ninety-eight were staged at final analysis. Human papilloma virus (HPV) was detected in endocervical smears and paraffin blocks of lymph nodes by PCR and real-time PCR. Oncogenic HPV in primary tumor was detected in 86 (87.8%); two or more genotypes--65 (75.58%): still more--21 (24.4%). In the latter group, the frequency of regional lymph node metastases was significantly higher. HPV DNA was identified in iliac lymph nodes in 29 (26.6%); 27 of them had metastases to those nodes. HPV in DNA which was significantly more frequent in involved lymphocytes may be used as marker. Since our method for early detection of metastases to regional lymph nodes is highly specific, it may be recommended as a diagnostic procedure.