Concurrent Human Papillomavirus-Positive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx in a Married Couple.

Tyler D Brobst,Daniel L Price,Ge Gao,Katharine A Price,Joaquín J García,David I Smith

doi:10.1155/2016/8481235

Abstract

Background. Although alcohol and tobacco use are known risk factors for development of squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck, human papillomavirus (HPV) has been increasingly associated with this group of cancers. We describe the case of a married couple who presented with HPV-positive oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma within two months of each other. Methods. Tumor biopsies were positive for p16 and high-risk HPV in both patients. Sanger sequencing showed a nearly identical HPV16 strain in both patients. Both patients received chemoradiation, and one patient also underwent transoral robotic tongue base resection with bilateral neck dissection. Results. Both patients showed no evidence of recurrent disease on follow-up PET imaging. Conclusions. New head and neck symptoms should be promptly evaluated in the partner of a patient with known HPV-positive oropharynx cancer. This case expands the limited current literature on concurrent presentation of HPV-positive oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma in couples.

Highlights

Human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus, is well known for its role in the development of cervical cancer in women
Sanger sequencing was performed in both directions using both forward and reverse primers. This case presents the rare scenario of a married couple receiving a diagnosis of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma within two months of each other
Given HPV’s ubiquitous nature, it can often be difficult to say whether HPV was transmitted from one spouse to the other or whether each partner carried the infection before their relationship

Summary

Background

Alcohol and tobacco use are known risk factors for development of squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck, human papillomavirus (HPV) has been increasingly associated with this group of cancers. We describe the case of a married couple who presented with HPV-positive oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma within two months of each other. Sanger sequencing showed a nearly identical HPV16 strain in both patients. Both patients received chemoradiation, and one patient underwent transoral robotic tongue base resection with bilateral neck dissection. New head and neck symptoms should be promptly evaluated in the partner of a patient with known HPV-positive oropharynx cancer. This case expands the limited current literature on concurrent presentation of HPV-positive oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma in couples

Introduction

Case Presentation

Findings

Discussion