Detection of HPV16 in tissues of oral leukoplakia by polymerase chain reaction and p16 immunohistochemistry: A prospective study

Background:Globally, India accounts for highest incidence for oral cancer. Potential malignant disorders precede development of oral cancers. Leukoplakia is the one of the most common potentially malignant disorders and tobacco is a known risk factor for oral cancer. Role of viruses in oral carcinogenesis is not yet clear and its association with oral cancer has been a debated topic. The present study was aimed to evaluate the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oral leukoplakia using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).Methodology:Fifty clinicopathologically confirmed oral leukoplakia cases were included in the study. Detection of HPV was done using PCR and further validated with IHC.Results:Among 50 subjects with oral leukoplakia, 43 specimens were reported as HPV positive through PCR and IHC confirmed p16 positivity in 5 specimens.Conclusion:Study showed lower a prevalence of HPV in oral leukoplakia. Whenever in doubt, combined tests would often be beneficial for the de...