Association of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Human Papilloma Virus Status in Chronic Periodontitis Patients: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Apart from the alcohol and tobacco which are considered as an important cause for carcinogenesis, periodontal infections have also been considered equally important cause for it. Infections are increasingly considered as potential trigger for carcinogenesis apart from alcohol and tobacco. The role of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in causing Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC), highlights the significance of the oral infections in the development of the OSCC.

Aim: To detect the relationship between Chronic Periodontitis, HPV, and OSCC.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 15 chronic generalised periodontitis patients with OSCC affecting alveoli and gingiva, selected from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dental Sciences, Davangere, Karnataka, India, conducted from September 2015 to October 2017. DNA was extracted from the biopsy of the tissue sample for the detection of HPV by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The parameters assessed were the Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL), Tumour Node Metastsis (TNM ) staging of OSCC, HPV status and the presence of the periodontal marker bacteria. Chi-square test and Spearman’s correlation were used to find association and correlation between the parameters.

Results: A total of 15 cases of chronic generalised periodontitis patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma were included in the study (seven males and eight female patients, with a mean age of 50.8 years). Of these, HPV was found in four patients only. On comparison between Chronic Generalised Periodontitis (CGP) and OSCC, a non significant association and a negative correlation was found. Similar analysis was observed between CGP and HPV. When comparison was done between HPV and OSCC, non significant association (p-value=0.774) and a negative correlation (r-value=-0.169) was found.

Conclusion: The present study did not yield a significant association and correlation between these three parameters. Further prospective studies should be conducted, which may help in the prevention of periodontitis and subsequently, decreasing the incidences of OSCC.