CHANGING TRENDS IN BENIGN HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS (HPV) RELATED EPITHELIAL NEOPLASMS OF THE ORAL CAVITY: 1995-2015

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> HPV-related benign papillary epithelial neoplasms are common lesions affecting any region of the oral cavity. This study evaluated the trends in frequency, location, and demographics of these lesions over 20 years. <h3>Materials and Methods</h3> Following IRB approval, the archives of UF Oral Pathology Biopsy Service between 19952015 were queried. Squamous papilloma, verruca vulgaris, and viral papilloma/condyloma were included. Extraoral locations, inconclusive diagnoses, or syndrome-related HPV lesions (Heck disease) were excluded. Age, gender, location, clinical presentation, and diagnoses were recorded. Data from one calendar year per 5-year span was assessed including the years 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 1458 cases were identified over the total 5 calendar years assessed. Papilloma as a percentage of total biopsies per year was as follows: 1995 (2.6%), 2000 (3.3%), 2005 (3.6%), 2010 (4%) and 2015 (4.5%), representing a 73% (1.9x) percentage increase. Males (56%) were affected more commonly; however, in patients under 19 years, a female predominance was observed. The overall percentage of lesions in females increased by 30.6% over the time frame. Mean age was 54 years (range 1-93 years) and increased by 10 years over time. About 1.1% of patients had multifocal lesions and 0.2% had a recurrence. In descending order of frequency, tongue, soft palate, and mandibular gingiva were most involved. Maxillary gingiva and lower lip were the most common locations in patients under 19. Location varied over time with the biggest increase noted on the gingiva. Squamous papilloma was the most common histologic variant (93.6%). <h3>Conclusion</h3> The incidence of benign HPV-related oral lesions increased substantially over the 2 decades studied. Other trends noted included increase in the following: average age of patients, female involvement, and gingival location. Our results likely indicate an overall increase in the prevalence of benign oral HPV lesions in our population.