Changes in Unknown Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck at Initial Presentation in the Era of Human Papillomavirus
Abstract
The presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in unknown primary squamous cell carcinoma (UPSCC) of the head and neck at initial presentation focuses the investigation for the primary tumor on the oropharynx. The trends, frequency, and detection rate of UPSCCs have not been evaluated in the context of HPV tumor status. To determine the frequency of UPSCC over time and to evaluate the proportion of HPV-positive UPSCCs. Retrospective, single-institutional case series of patients diagnosed with UPSCC and evaluated at the Johns Hopkins Hospital from January 1, 2005, to June 1, 2014. Human papillomavirus tumor status was determined by p16 immunohistochemical analysis and/or high-risk HPV DNA by in situ hybridization as clinically available. Number and clinical characteristics of UPSCC cases over time. Eighty-four UPSCC cases were eligible for analysis. The mean age of the patients was 57.3 years (range 29-80 years), and 88.1% (n = 74) were male. The frequency of UPSCC increased significantly over time (P for trend = .01) and was significantly higher during later calendar periods (14 cases during 2005-2008 vs 39 cases during 2012-2014, P = .03). A total of 69 cases (90.7%) with available HPV tumor status were HPV-positive. The patients ...Continue Reading
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
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