Vertically transmitted HPV-dependent squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal

[Current status of the diagnosis and treatment of temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma]

Temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma, which is rare in the clinical setting, is the most common type of temporal bone malignancy. Its rarity makes the staging, the way of temporal bone resection, the management of parotid gland and cervical lymph node, and the application of radiotherapy and chemotherapy still controversial.There is no unanimous consensus and guideline about it to date at home and abroad.This paper reviewed the recent advance in the diagnosis and treatment of temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma in the hope of providing some help and reference for the management of the disease.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in children

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the presentation, evaluation, and management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in the pediatric population.

METHODS

Medical records of pediatric (≤20 years) patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck between 1996 and 2016 were reviewed. Data pertaining to clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment plan, complications, recurrence, follow-up, or outcome were collected.

RESULTS

Eleven patients were diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. Seven of these patients had medical histories significant for prior malignancies, immunosuppressant therapy, and/or genetic syndromes. Lesions were identified in the oral cavity (n = 5, 45.5%), lip/upper lip (n = 3, 27.3%), larynx (n = 2, 18.2%), and nasal cavity (n = 1, 9.1%). Tumors were most commonly treated with surgical excision alone. Three patients underwent irradiation (2 adjuvant and 1 without surgery) and chemotherapy (1 adjuvant, 1 neoadjuvant, and 1 without surgery). Of these patients, one reported complications of hearing loss, loss of dentition, and laryngeal stenosis. Two patients developed local recurrence at 1 month and 5 years post-operatively, respectively. One patient developed an orocutaneous fistula and subsequently died. No other complications were reported. Median follow-up time was 4.6 years (interquartile range: 2.4-8.4 years). Complications of radiation included: laryngeal stenosis, wound breakdown, and orocutaneous fistula.

CONCLUSION

Squamous cell carcinoma is rare in the pediatric population. Most frequently, it is associated with previous malignancies, immunosuppressant therapy, and/or genetic conditions. Complete surgical excision is recommended to obviate the need for radiation whenever possible.

HLA-G and vertical mother-to-child transmission of human papillomavirus infection

Role of host factors in transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV)-infection from mother to her offspring is not known. Our aim was to study whether human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G allele concordance among the mother-child pairs could facilitate vertical transmission of HPV, because HLA-G may contribute to immune tolerance in pregnancy. Altogether, 310 mother-child pairs were included from the Finnish Family HPV study. Overall, nine different HLA-G alleles were identified. The HLA-G genotype concordance of G^∗01:01:01/01:04:01 increased the risk of high risk (HR)-HPV genotype positivity in cord blood and infant's oral mucosa. The mother-child concordance of G^∗01:01:02/01:01:02 increased the risk of oral HPV positivity with HR-HPV genotypes both in the mother and offspring; OR 2.45 (95%CI 1.24-4.85). Discordant HLA-G allele for G^∗01:04:01 and for G^∗01:06 was significantly associated with infant's oral low risk (LR)-HPV at birth, OR 3.07 (95%CI 1.01-9.36) and OR 5.19 (95%CI 1.22-22.03), respectively. HLA-G had no association with HPV genotype-specific concordance between the mother and child at birth nor influence on perinatal HPV status of the child. Taken together, our results show that HLA-G molecules have a role in predicting the newborn's likelihood for oral HPV infection at birth.