HPV detection in primary intra-oral squamous cell carcinomas--commensal, aetiological agent or contamination?

Background: High-risk human papilloma viruses (HPV) are reported to be significant independent risk factors for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The prevalence of HPV in OSCC in a South African population sample was evaluated comparing three different HPV detection methods.

Methods: Tumour and adjacent morphologically normal oral mucosa of 59 resections of primary OSCC were evaluated for the presence of HPV using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), conventional in situ hybridization (ISH), and a signal amplification ISH technique (Dako GenPoint).