HPV in Head Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HN-SCC) - Clinico- Pathologic management correlation : An Observational Study.

Cancer of the head and neck region is the commonest cancer in India and is the Commonest cause of cancer related death in India. Nearly 90% of cancers in the head and neck region is known as head and neck squamous cell Carcinoma- HNCC. A particular type of viral infection caused by Human Papilloma Virus is a common cause of HNSCC. The study aims to find out the following-To determine the overall incidence of various subtypes & viral load of HPV among HNSCC patients presenting in SGCCRI, Thakurpukur; To find out the relative incidences and viral load of virulent sub types of HPV in different sub-sites of HNSCC; Demographic and sub site analysis of the HPV- positive and HPV- negative HNSCC patients; Correlation between duration of symptoms and stage at presentation, between HPV (virulent sub types) positive & negative HNSCC patients. Secondarily it aims to find the : Treatment response, Time of recurrence, Nature of recurrence etc Meterials and Methods: Patients who are selected to be enrolled in the study are questioned and their clinical and Demographic data are recorded as per proforma; 5mm of fresh HNSCC tissue will be collected in proper collection medium and stored in -80 degree centigrade. DNA isolation will be done using standard kits. PCR based HPV detection and typing will be done. Quantitative viral load will be done by RT-PCT