A pilot study of Merkel cell polyomavirus in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue

The oral tongue and the floor of the mouth are the most common sites of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) within the oral cavity, accounting for more than 50% of cases [1,2]. The increasing incidence of oral tongue SCC in young patients (ages 20–44years) who have a lower incidence and duration of tobacco and alcohol exposure suggests that genetic, environmental or viral factors may contribute to the pathogenesis of oral tongue SCC [3–6]. The tongue has a significantly different histologic makeup with a rich lymphatic supply compared to the other areas of the oral cavity.

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