Hepatitis C Virus Detection In Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C Virus infection is a major health problem causing significant morbidity and mortality
worldwide. The oral cavity is one of the most frequently reported extra-hepatic disease site associated with
it. It has been suggested that HCV is a possible triggering factor for precancerous and cancerous oral lesions.
The aim of this study was to detect HCV core antigen in oral squamous cell carcinoma in comparison with
normal mucosa tissues (control) using immunohistochemistry, to detect the possible relationship between
HCV and OSCC.
Material and Methods: A total of 50 archival paraffin embedded specimens were collected (25 OSCC
specimens with 25 control specimens) and HCV core antigen was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.
The localization of HCV core antigen were evaluated in both groups. All cells displaying nuclear HCV core
antigen immunostaining were counted.
Results: Overall frequency of HCV in OSCC cases was higher than in controls, and a highly significant
difference was observed between them (p < 0.01). Correlation of HCV positivity with the characteristics
of OSCC cases were noncontributory. The greatest cell count was recorded in poorly-differentiated OSCC,
whereas the lowest value was recorded in control (P<0.001). Conclusion: HCV core antigen was frequently
detected in OSCC. HCV is suggested to be a potential risk factor for oral squamous cell carcinoma.