Association of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Human Papilloma Virus Status in Chronic Periodontitis Patients: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Apart from the alcohol and tobacco which are considered as an important cause for carcinogenesis, periodontal infections have also been considered equally important cause for it. Infections are increasingly considered as potential trigger for carcinogenesis apart from alcohol and tobacco. The role of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in causing Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC), highlights the significance of the oral infections in the development of the OSCC. Aim: To detect the relationship between Chronic Periodontitis, HPV, and OSCC. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 15 chronic generalised periodontitis patients with OSCC affecting alveoli and gingiva. DNA was extracted from the biopsy of the tissue sample for the detection of HPV by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The parameters assessed were the Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL), Tumor Node Metastsis (TNM ) staging of OSCC, HPV status and the presence of the periodontal marker bacteria. Chi-square test and spearman correlation were used to find association and correlation between the parameters. Results: A total of 15 cases of chronic generalised periodontitis patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma were included in the study (7 males and 8 female patients, with a mean age of 50.8 years). Of these, HPV was found in 4 patients only. On comparison between Chronic Generalised Periodontitis (CGP) and OSCC, a non-significant association and a negative correlation was found. Similar analysis was observed between CGP and HPV. When comparison was done between HPV and OSCC, non-significant association (p-value 0.774) and a negative correlation(r- value= -0. 169) was found. Conclusion: This study did not yield a significant association and correlation between these three parameters. Further prospective studies should be conducted which may help in the prevention of periodontitis and subsequently decreasing the incidences of OSCC.