Prevalence of human papilloma virus in head and neck cancer in Thai population

Background: Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality in Thailand. The Human papilloma virus (HPV) has the important role in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer and sufficient evidence supports its role in carcinogenesis of HNSCC. Objective: To investigate the presence of HPV infection in HNSCC in the Thai population and also further characterize the subtypes associated with the infected carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Newly diagnosed HNSCC patients were recruited at the Division of Head Neck and Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital (Bangkok, Thailand). Fresh tissue samples were obtained for DNA preparation and the HPV DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction. Results: One hundred and thirty fresh tissue samples were obtained. Only one sample was positive for HPV type 16 DNA. This patient was a 56-years-old male patient with recurrent right palatine tonsil squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion: HPV infection is not the significant cause of HNSCC in Thai patients. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and betel nuts usage remain the major risk factor for HNSCC in the Thai population.