Human Papilloma Virus Expression in Iraqi Patients with Premalignant and Malignant Laryngeal Lesions: Immunohistochemical Study

Abstract

Background: Human Papilloma Virus is a DNA virus, epitheliotropic, non-enveloped, with a double strand
circular genome, and about 8,000 pb, measuring 55 nm in diameter.

Objectives: Highlighting the relationship between the occurrence of premalignant laryngeal lesions and
human papillomavirus like a causal factor together with development of laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Methodology: Fifty cases of laryngeal cancer and premalignant laryngeal lesions are incorporated within this
study. Tissues were saved within formaldehyde and embedded in paraffin blocks. We used Immunohistochemical technique in order to prove the correlation between HPV infection and those laryngeal lesions. 

Results: We obtained about (47,5 %) HPV positive in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and about (20%) HPV positive in premalignant laryngeal lesions

Conclusion:
1. About half of cases were HPV positive (45.5%).
2. The rate of HPV infection in Iraqi patients was low in comparison to United States. Many studies show high rate
of HPV detection.
3. Immunohistochemical technique was efficient method for detection of HPV in Laryngeal cancer and its
premalignant lesion.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Detection of HPV in laryngeal cancer using PCR technique (polymerase chain reaction) and ISH technique (Insitu hybridization). And in future study, we will try to use a large number of cases in order to study the prevalence of HPV among Iraqi general population.