P16 immunoexpression in oral squamous cell carcinoma: a cross-sectional study from a tertiary care center
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55629/pakjpathol.v36i4.960Abstract
Objective: This study delves into the pivotal role of the p16 gene, a tumor suppressor, in OSCC by assessing the frequency of p16 overexpression in OSCC.
Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Pathology Department, SZABMU (PIMS), Islamabad, Pakistan, from January 2023 to October 2023. A total of 135 samples diagnosed with OSCC in 2022. immunohistochemical staining for p16 was performed on each specimen. The data obtained from the staining were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests to determine any significant associations.
Results: Among 135 samples, p16 tested positive in 20 cases and negative in 115 cases. 65 years was the average age of the patients. History of addiction was found in 47% of them. The buccal mucosa was the most frequently affected site for the tumor.
Conclusion: In our analysis, we found that oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in our population exhibits low levels of p16 expression, specifically below 50%. These results indicate a limited occurrence of HPV as a contributing factor to oral squamous cell carcinoma in our studied demographic.
Key words: Immunohistochemistry, Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, p16
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