The prevalence of human papillomavirus in the oropharynx in healthy individuals in a Brazilian population

Oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV), a causative agent of uterine cervical cancer, has also been detected in head and neck squamous cell cancers, especially in squamous cell carcinomas of the tonsils. However, the true HPV prevalence in normal and neoplasic oropharyngeal mucosa remains uncertain. To determine the prevalence of HPV DNA in normal oropharyngeal mucosa of cancer-free individuals, a study was carried out on 50 Brazilian subjects. PCR was performed to identify HPV DNA in samples from four sites in the oropharynx (tonsils, soft palate, base of the tongue, and back wall of the pharynx). For amplification of the HPV DNA, MY09/11 consensus primerswere used, and specific genotypes were identified by dot-blot hybridization or cloning and sequencing. HPV DNA was present in 14.0% of the individuals, and the identified genotypes were 16, 18, 52, and 61. All these types are considered high-risk (HR) HPV. The tonsils and the soft palate were the sites with the highest HPV prevalence. This study shows the prevalence of HR HPV in the oropharynx of normal individuals. However, the prevalence of HPV is still unclear, and if HPV infection in a healthy it is not known individual predisposes to HPV-associated disease such as oropharyngeal cancer. Thus, it is important to assess the prevalence of HPV in cancer-free individuals, in order to compare it with the HPV prevalence in oropharyngeal carcinomas and to attempt to determine the true role of HPV in the development of head and neck squamous cell cancers. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Carcinoma de células escamosas de grandes proporções

The oral and oropharyngeal cancer is aggressive and, in Brazil, the incidence is considered one of the world’s tallest, the most common of head and neck. It affects males more intensively and 70% of cases are in adults over 50 years of age. It is located usually on the floor of the mouth and tongue. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to report a case of male patient, 78 years of age, leukoderma who sought hospital care. Reported frequent smoking and alcoholism. On physical examination headgear, there was the presence of lymph node fixed, painless 1.5 to 2 cm in diameter in the submandibular region. Physical examination intraoral ulcer was found at about 5 cm at its greatest extent, localized to the left oral floor region of the oropharynx, reddish, hardened edges, surface and bottom corrugated carton. The differential diagnosis suggested was traumatic ulcer, paracoccidioidomycosis and squamous cell carcinoma. The approach employed was obtained by incisional biopsy and the piece sent to histopathological analysis, confirming the case of squamous cell carcinoma. The treatment consisted in clarifying the patient about the disease and the need to search for an oncology center. It is concluded that the oral clinical examination is accurate in all major injuries to mouth, even if the chief complaint does not focus on this. In individuals at high risk examination should be systematic and individuals with suspicious lesions should be referred to specialist consultation.

Increased plasma and salivary cortisol levels in patients with oral cancer and their association with clinical stage

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)