Absence of EBV genome in lymphoepithelioma-like carcinomas of the larynx.

ABSTRACT

Undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinomas are universally associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This association has been exclusively established in lymphoepithelioma-like carcinomas in some locations. The relationship between EBV and lymphoepithelioma-like carcinomas in the larynx is unknown. In none of the few laryngeal lymphoepithelioma-like carcinomas reported have EBV investigations been carried out. We present here two supraglottic laryngeal lymphoepithelioma-like carcinomas in which EBV antigens were not demonstrable using immunohistochemical and molecular methods. Our results suggest that EBV may not be involved in laryngeal lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma at least in Western patients.