Does HPV have a presence in diffuse high grade pre-malignant lesions of the larynx?

OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence of HPV in diffuse highgrade pre-cancerous lesions of the larynx. METHODS: Patient charts were searched for those who presented between October 2008 and June 2009 with diffuse vocal fold leukoplakia. Biopsy proven laryngeal lesions with highgrade dysplasia or carcinoma-in-situ (CIS) were examined for patient characteristics and presence of high-risk type HPV detected by in situ hybridization technique. RESULTS: Fifteen patients with precancerous lesions were identified. Average age was 63 years and 13 were male. One lesion was identified as positive for high-risk HPV, all other lesions were negative. At current follow up, no patient has demonstrated progression to invasive carcinoma. CONCLUSION: HPV may not play a role in non-progressing diffuse high-grade lesions of the larynx The larynx is one of the most frequently diagnosed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) sites and has been highly associated with tobacco and alcohol consumption. Approximately 5% of all laryngeal carcinomas occur in nonsmokers and nondrinkers suggesting another etiology may be involved. HPV has been implicated in the carcinogenesis of HNSCCs, most notably those originating in the oropharynx. Recent research indicates that high risk HPV may play a role in the transformation of laryngeal lesions as well. INTRODUCTION Patient charts were searched for those who presented between October 2008 and June 2009 with diffuse vocal fold leukoplakia. Cases of biopsy proven laryngeal lesions with high-grade dysplasia or carcinoma-in-situ (CIS) were examined for patient characteristics and for presence of high-risk type HPV detected by in situ hybridization technique.