papillary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Papillary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an uncommon variant of SCC in the upper aerodigestive tract. It is most frequently located in the larynx, oropharynx, and sinonasal tract, and is more common in older men.

Because of its complex exophytic papillary architecture, histologic assessment of underlying invasion can be challenging. Risk factors and pathogenesis are unclear.

As with other HPV-associated SCCs of the upper aerodigestive tract, the majority of HPV-associated papillary SCCs are oropharyngeal (base of tongue and palatine tonsils), although both sinonasal and laryngeal tumors were also associated with infection (67% and 33% of cases, respectively).

Given the better prognosis of HPV-associated SCCs of the upper aerodigestive tract, it may be prudent to report the p16 and HPV status of these tumors when they are encountered.

See also

 HPV-associated squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract

References

 Human papillomavirus-associated squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract. Stelow EB, Jo VY, Stoler MH, Mills SE. Am J Surg Pathol. 2010 Jul;34(7):e15-24. PMID: #20534998#

 Papillary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: Frequent Association With Human Papillomavirus Infection and Invasive Carcinoma. Jo VY, Mills SE, Stoler MH, Stelow EB. Am J Surg Pathol. 2009 Sep 9. PMID: #19745700#