title: Ancillary studies in determining human papillomavirus status of squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx: a review.
abstract: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity and pharynx represents the sixth most common form of malignancy worldwide. A significant proportion of these cases are related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. In general, HPV-associated SCC is more commonly nonkeratinizing and poorly differentiated, whereas non-HPV-associated SCC is typically keratinizing and moderately differentiated. Nevertheless, significant overlap in morphology is seen between these two forms of SCC. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the utility of ancillary studies in the establishment of HPV status of oropharyngeal SCC, including p16 immunohistochemistry, high-risk HPV in situ hybridization, polymerase chain reaction, and newer HPV detection modalities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Rush University Medical Center, 1850 W. Harrison Street, 570 Jelke Building, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
authors.forename: Richard L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Cantley
authors.forename: Eleonora
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gabrielli
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Montebelli
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cimbaluk
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gattuso
authors.forename: Guy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Petruzzelli