Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
RNAscope for In situ Detection of Transcriptionally Active Human Papillomavirus in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: March 11, 2014
Parotid squamous cell carcinoma metastases: Application of human papillomavirus-DNA test on liquid-based cytology to
Marco Montella1, Raffaella Ruggiero2, Giovanni Savarese2
1Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing in fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) specimens aids in identifying rare parotid gland metastases originating from oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OP-SCC). This molecular analysis guides diagnosis and patient management for occult primary tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cytopathology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Parotid gland malignancies are uncommon, with intraparotid metastases being rare.
- Oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (O- and OP-SCC) can metastasize to parotid lymph nodes.
- Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the primary diagnostic tool for parotid nodules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of HPV-DNA testing on FNAC specimens in identifying occult oropharyngeal primary tumors metastatic to the parotid gland.
- To highlight the role of HPV status in guiding the diagnostic workup of parotid masses.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasound-guided FNAC of parotid nodules was performed in three patients.
- Specimens were analyzed using direct smears, cell blocks, and liquid-based cytology for HPV testing.
- Morphological, immunocytochemical, and HPV-DNA detection (real-time PCR) were employed.
Main Results:
- HPV-DNA testing on FNAC specimens successfully identified the oropharyngeal origin of occult squamous cell carcinoma metastases in the parotid gland.
- Morphological and immunocytochemical features confirmed squamous cell carcinoma.
Conclusions:
- HPV testing of FNAC specimens is a valuable tool for diagnosing rare intraparotid metastases.
- This molecular approach aids in pinpointing primary oropharyngeal neoplasms, offering crucial diagnostic and prognostic information.
More Related Videos
07:43Four-color Fluorescence Immunohistochemistry of T-cell Subpopulations in Archival Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded Human Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Samples
Published on: July 29, 2017
06:57Chromogenic In Situ Hybridization as a Tool for HPV-Related Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis
Published on: June 14, 2019
