HPV16 DNA in histologically confirmed tumour-free neck lymph nodes of head and neck cancers.

Abstract

Considering the high agreement of HPV-DNA detection in PT and simultaneous HPV-DNA demonstration in the draining NM corroborating the monoclonal character of the tumour cells, the HPV-DNA presence in LN seems to be indicative of micro-metastasis in these lymph nodes. Thus, HPV analysis might be another powerful tool for the definition of the N-status of HPV-positive HNSCC.