[Detection of herpes simplex virus and Epstein-Barr virus in squamous cell carcinoma of the upper airways and digestive system].
OBJECTIVE
Previous studies have investigated the role of viruses in tumor origin of head and neck cancer. Despite this, mechanis of viral carcinogenesis remain unclear. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in malignant laryngeal and oropharyngeal lesions.


METHODS
Fresh frozen specimens of 28 laryngeal and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas were studied. The presence or absence of HSV and EBV was determined with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays.


RESULTS
None of the samples showed evidence for EBV DNA. One tonsilar carcinoma case (3.5%) was positive for HSV DNA detection.


CONCLUSIONS
These results do not support HSV and EBV as etiological factors in head and neck cancer.
López Llames
A
A
Servicio de ORL, Hospital Central de Asturias. aurora@seorl.net
Llorente Pendás
J L
JL
Melón
S
S
García Pedrero
J M
JM
García Carracedo
D
D
Suárez Nieto
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000821:virology*; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000821:virology*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000302:isolation & purification*