title: Detection of human papilloma virus in potentially malignant and malignant lesions of the oral cavity and a study of associated risk factors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is the 6thmost frequently occurring cancer worldwide, with over 400,000 cases projected annually. Multiple factors such as tobacco, alcohol, irradiation, virus, and chronic irritants are involved in the development of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). The most important risk factors are chronic exposure to tobacco and alcohol. Although the evidence that implicates virus is increasing, particularly (human papillomavirus [HPV]), in the carcinogenesis process, the role of virus is not well established.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study is designed to assess the presence of HPV in potentially malignant and malignant lesions of the oral cavity as well as to correlate the presence of HPV with addictive habits and histopathological grading of the disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  Biopsy samples of OSCC and potentially malignant lesions were obtained and 3, 5 μm thickness sections were cut using a microtome. The sections were collected using a sterile brush and transferred to an Eppendorf tube. DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction for the detection of HPV were done.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The association between histopathological grading and presence of HPV was assessed using Chi-square test and the values thus obtained were found to be statistically significant. HPV was more predominantly seen in well-differentiated carcinomas and moderately differentiated carcinomas as compared to poorly differentiated carcinomas.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: B R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Bijina
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Junaid
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Nandita
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shenoy
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Ravikiran
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ongole
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, KMC Mangalore, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Suchitra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shenoy
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, KMC Mangalore, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Srikala
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baliga
keywords: Carcinoma; human papilloma virus; squamous cell carcinoma