Detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oral cavity lesions: comparison with other risk factors

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is considered the causative agent of cervix cancer; however, its relationship with oral cancer is controversial. Objectives: To detect the presence of HPV genotypes in lesions of the oral cavity and its correlation with other risk factors. Material and Methods: Presence of HPV was studied by polymerase chain reaction in samples from benign lesions (9 cases), potentially malignant lesions (30 cases), neoplasias (16 cases) and healthy mucosae (30 control). The results from the different groups were compared; in addition to their clinical histopathological variables and conventional risk factors (tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption, mainly). Results: HPV was detected in 88.89% of the samples from oral benign lesions, 41.38% of oral PML samples and 56.25% of oral neoplasias. HPV was not detected in the control group. The most prevalent genotypes were 16 and 6. Together, these two genotypes reached 55% of the total number of cases. A significant association was observed between HPV and male gender, tobacco smokers, alcohol drinkers and benign lesions. Tobacco smoking and alcohol intake were associated to neoplasias. Conclusions: Our results showed that conventional risk factors like tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking, have more influence than HPV in the development of oral neoplasias; however, 56.2% of the neoplasias tested positive for HPV; the percentage of HR-HPV detection increased with the severity of the lesions, suggesting its possible involvement in malignant processes.