p16 positive oropharyngeal small cell cancer: A case report

Oral Oncol. 2021 Oct:121:105391. doi: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2021.105391. Epub 2021 Jun 27.

Abstract

Extra-pulmonary small cell carcinomas (EPSCC) are rare malignancies. Like small cell lung cancer (SCLC), they are aggressive malignancies with dismal prognosis. We here report a case of a middle-aged man who presented with odynophagia and cervical lymphadenopathy. Diagnostic workup confirmed the diagnosis of locally-advanced p16-positive oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) with a surprising histology of small cell cancer, suggesting a human papilloma virus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer with small cell differentiation. HPV oropharynx infection is a well-known risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, but it is unknown if it may increase the risk of other OPC histology.

Keywords: Extra-pulmonary small cell carcinoma; HPV; Oropharyngeal cancer; Small cell carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Small Cell* / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell* / virology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms* / virology
  • Papillomaviridae
  • Papillomavirus Infections* / diagnosis