Prevalence and epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Objective. Recently, we have noticed that a large number of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) are also infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). A review of the literature has revealed no published studies examining this association. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and epidemiology of HCV infection in patients with SCCHN. Study Design: A retrospective chart review. Methods: Patients diagnosed with SCCHN were analyzed to determine whether they were screened for HCV. Patients were then stratified into two groups (HCV positive and HCV negative). The patient's age at onset, site and stage of the tumor at presentation were determined, and statistical analysis was performed. Results. Ninety-nine (26%) patients were screened, and 21 (21.2%) were HCV positive. This incidence was increased when compared with previously published data (9.9%) (P < .0038). HCV-positive patients presented at an earlier age (51 years) versus the HCV-negative group (60 years) (P < .0002). There were no significant differences in the site or stage at presentation. Conclusions: In this study, 21% of patients diagnosed with SCCHN were found to be infected with HCV. These patients presented at an earlier age but had similar presentation with respect to site and stage. More research is needed to determine the significance of HCV infection in this patient population.