Head and Neck Cytopathology: Human Papillomavirus-Positive Carcinomas, Including Diagnostic Updates, Testing Modalities, and Recommendations

Surg Pathol Clin. 2018 Sep;11(3):501-514. doi: 10.1016/j.path.2018.04.002.

Abstract

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma caused by transcriptionally active human papillomavirus (HPV) is now well established as a unique form of head and neck cancer. Given the high frequency of metastasis to cervical lymph nodes by HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) represents a widely accepted method for the sampling and diagnosis of these cancers. The recently published College of American Pathologists Guideline (2017) provides recommendations for the effective performance and interpretation of high-risk (HR) HPV testing in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), including testing on FNA samples of metastatic HNSCC to cervical lymph nodes. There is a wide range of options available for HR-HPV testing in cytologic specimens.

Keywords: FNA; Head and neck cytopathology; Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; Human papillomavirus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / blood
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle / methods*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / blood
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / blood
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Human Papillomavirus DNA Tests
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / pathology*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / blood
  • Papillomavirus Infections / blood
  • Papillomavirus Infections / complications
  • Papillomavirus Infections / pathology*
  • Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
  • Specimen Handling

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Neoplasm Proteins