HPV-Negative Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising from Oral Submucous Fibrosis with p16INK4A Positivity and Cellular Senescence: A Case Report

This case highlights the necessity of thorough molecular assessment when interpreting p16INK4A positivity in OSF-associated OSCC. The HPV-negative status, coupled with senescence markers, suggests that p16INK4A expression in such cases may show a senescence-associated tumorigenic pathway rather than HPV-mediated carcinogenesis. These findings support the inclusion of cellular senescence markers like SenTraGor in the diagnostic evaluation of OSCC arising from OSF. <b>Key words:</b>Oral Submucous Fibrosis, OSCC, p16INK4A, Cellular Senescence, HPV-Negative, Buccal Mucosa, SenTraGor.