Prevalence of herpes simplex virus in malignant laryngeal lesions

Objective: To determine the prevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in mal ignant laryngeal lesions, Study Design: Retrospective review. Materials and Methods: Paraffin-embedded, histologically confirmed specimen s containing benign laryngeal lesions, squamous cell carcinoma of the laryn x, and squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity were identified from arch ived surgical specimens, Biopsies of normal-appearing oral cavity tissue we re also obtained from fresh-frozen cadavers. These tissues were analyzed fo r the presence of HSV DNA using polymerase chain reaction techniques. Patie nt charts were reviewed for patient demographics, risk factors, stage, clin ical 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 con trols (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 H SV as a cocarcinogen and its interrelationship with other environmental fac tors in laryngeal cancer are warranted.