Human papillomavirus status in extragenital nonmelanoma skin cancers

• Published in: Clinics in dermatology 2014-03, Vol.32 (2), p.248-252
• Main Authors: Drvar, Daniela Ledic, MD, Lipozenčić, Jasna, MD, PhD, Sabol, Ivan, PhD, Mokos, Zrinka Bukvic, MD, PhD, Ilic, Ivana, MD, PhD, Grce, Magdalena, PhD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carcinoma, Basal Cell - chemistry; Carcinoma, Basal Cell - pathology; Carcinoma, Basal Cell - virology; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - chemistry; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - pathology; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - virology; Dermatology; DNA, Viral - analysis; Humans; Papillomaviridae - genetics; Papillomaviridae - isolation & purification; Pilot Projects; Skin Neoplasms - chemistry; Skin Neoplasms - pathology; Skin Neoplasms - virology
• ISSN: 0738-081X; 1879-1131
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2013.08.009

Abstract About 5% of all cancers worldwide can be attributed to human papillomaviruses (HPVs); namely, six sites are strongly associated with HPV infections: cervix, penis, vulva, vagina, anus, and oropharynx. Nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common malignancies in Caucasians. In fact, there is an intense connection between sunlight exposure, fair skin, HPV, and development of NMSC. We have conducted a pilot study that included tissue samples from 26 carcinoma patients, of which there were 13 BCC and 13 SCC. HPV detection and typing was done with DNA amplification and sequencing, respectively. In total, 23.1% of SCC samples (3/13) and 7.7% of BCC samples (1/13) were positive for HPV DNA. The importance of understanding all aspects of NMSC carcinogenesis may be to reveal novel therapeutic options or preventive measures for HPV containing NMSC patients.