PMC7136454_01
Occult oropharyngeal microcarcinoma detected based on a screening test through the serial measurements of salivary HPV-16 DNA. (A) HPV-16 DNA viral load in salivary oral rinse samples over time. B (Baseline); F1 (6 month follow-up); F2 (12 month follow-up); F3 (36 month follow-up); PT (2-week post-tonsillectomy). (B) Sections of the left tonsillar tissue found a 2 mm non-keratinising squamous cell carcinoma, with focal stromal invasion <1 mm, excised with clear margins. The remainder of the left tonsil showed follicular lymphoid hyperplasia. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E x200) (C) HPV-16 DNA was only positive in left tonsillar tissue. (D) p16INK4a immunohistochemistry staining (IHC) x20: Diffuse positive brown staining for p16INK4a in tumor region comparing non-affected area in the left tonsil.
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F1
HPV-16 DNA positive for a period of 36 months, with a steadily rising HPV-16 viral load in his salivary oral rinse samples (Figure 1A). He was invited to attend the ENT clinic for assessment and discussion.