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Human papillomavirus in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A descriptive study of histologically confirmed cases at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi
Faggons, Claire E.; Mabedi, Charles E.; Liomba, N. George; Funkhouser, William K.; Chimzimu, Fred; Kampani, Coxcilly; Krysiak, Robert; Msiska, Nelson; Shores, Carol G. & Gopal, Satish
Abstract
Background
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is common in sub-Saharan Africa, but the aetiologic contribution of human
papillomavirus (HPV) is not well established.
Methods
We assessed HNSCC cases for HPV using p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) in Malawi. Associations between p16 IHC and tumour site,
behavioural risk factors, demographic characteristics, and HIV status were examined.
Results
From 2010 to 2014, 77 HNSCC cases were identified. Mean age was 52 years, 50 cases (65%) were male, and 48 (62%) were in the
oropharynx (OP) or oral cavity (OC). HIV status was known for 35 patients (45%), with 5 (14%) HIV-infected. Substance use was known
for 40 patients (52%), with 38% reporting any tobacco and 31% any alcohol. Forty-two cases (55%) had adequate tissue for p16 IHC, of
which 7 (17%) were positive, including 22% of OP/OC tumours.
Conclusions
Despite high cervical cancer burden, HPV-associated HNSCC is not very common in Malawi.
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