Detection of human papillomavirus in oral squamous cell carcinoma, leukoplakia and lichen planus in Thai patients

Although tobacco, alcohol abuse and betel nut chewing habit are well recognized risk factors for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), there is evidence to indicate that human papillomavirus (HPV) may also play some inducing role. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of HPV in Thai patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma, leukoplakia and lichen planus using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Biopsies of oral squamous cell carcinoma, leukoplakia and lichen planus were obtained from 65 patients, 15 males and 50 females, aged between 30-88 years old. Extracted DNA was evaluated for HPV infections by PCR analysis using consensus primers specific for L1 region of HPV. Only one sample (1.54%) was positive, suggesting that HPV may not play an important role in this group of Thai patients.