Analysis of Human Papillomavirus in Schneiderian Papillomas as Compared to Chronic Sinusitis and Normal Nasal Mucosa

Schneiderian papillomas (SPs) are tumours arising from the surface epithelium (schneiderian epithelium) of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Evidence points toward a viral etiology, specifically human papillomavirus (HPV). Although substantial data indicate HPV as a likely etiology, little is known about the role of HPV in benign nasal pathologies or in normal nasal mucosa. The objective of this study was to characterize the relationship between HPV and SP, chronic sinusitis (CS), and normal nasal mucosa. A case-control study was undertaken, matching patients with SP to patients with CS. Patients with normal nasal mucosa served as a control group. All patients had their tissues analyzed for the presence of various HPV subtypes using line blot assay. A total of 168 patients were identified (74 SP, 74 CS, 20 control). Of these, 70 (41.7%) had detectable deoxyribonucleic acid and 9 of 70 (12.9%) had detectable HPV of subtypes 6, 11, and 16. None had detectable HPV type 18. Significant differences were detected in the presence of HPV in the CS, SP, and control groups, as well as in the presence of low- versus high-risk subtypes among investigation and control groups. Significant differences exist in HPV infectivity among SP, benign nasal pathologies such as CS, and normal nasal mucosa. Human papillomavirus plays an important role, at least in part, in the development of SP, with types 6, 11, and 16 being more pivotal than other types. Line blot assay is a useful technique in identifying HPV in SP.