Prevalence of herpes simplex virus in malignant laryngeal lesions

Objective:To determine the prevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in malignant laryngeal lesions. Study Design:Retrospective review. Materials and Methods:Paraffin-embedded, histologically confirmed specimens containing benign laryngeal lesions, squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, and squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity were identified from archived surgical specimens. Biopsies of normal-appearing oral cavity tissue were also obtained from fresh-frozen cadavers. These tissues were analyzed for the presence of HSV DNA using polymerase chain reaction techniques. Patient charts were reviewed for patient demographics, risk factors, stage, clinical course, treatment, and outcome. Results:HSV was detected in nine laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (75) and in none of the benign laryngeal lesions (P. 0001). HSV was also found in three oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (25) and in none of the controls (P. 049). Conclusion:HSV is more prevalent in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and oral cavity than in their respective control groups, suggesting a role for carcinogenesis. HSV is more prevalent in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx than of the oral cavity. Further studies to determine the role of HSV as a cocarcinogen and its interrelationship with other environmental factors in laryngeal cancer are warranted.