Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relation of ameloblastoma with one of its probable etiologic factors, human papilloma virus (HPV).
Materials and methods: This study was carried out in a retrospective, observational, and blind manner with information forms using an exact polymerize chain reaction. Fifty paraffinated blocks of ameloblastoma tumor were compared with 50 impacted third molar follicles.
Results: The results indicate that statistically the incidence of HPV positivity in the case group is significantly higher than that in the control group (P <.025). Furthermore, in determination of trace HPV type in HPV-positive samples, the incidence of type 6 HPV in the case group is significantly higher than that in the control group (P <.005). None of types 8, 11, 16, 18, 31, and 33 were observed.
Conclusion: The results of this research conclude that HPV could be regarded as a possible etiologic factor of ameloblastoma.
Copyright 2003 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 61:467-470, 2003