Pulsed-Dye Laser May Be Useful for Vocal Fold Scarring

Researchers found that HPV-16 was detected in 92 of the individuals with HNSCC and that HPV-16-positive HNSCC was independently associated with several measures of sexual behavior and marijuana exposure. These associations increased in strength with having more oral sex partners, and with smoking more marijuana per month or having smoked marijuana for more years. However, HPV-16-positive HNSCC was not associated with cumulative measures of tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, or poor oral hygiene.

Researchers also found that HPV-16-negative HNSCC was associated with measures of tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, and poor oral hygiene, but not with sexual behaviors or marijuana use. These associations increased in strength with the number of cigarettes per day and having smoked for more years, heavier drinking, and having lost more teeth.

The authors conclude that because HPV-16-positive and HPV-16-negative HNSCCs have different risk factor profiles, they should be considered two different cancers.

©2008 The Triological Society