Multiple disseminated large-cell acanthomas of the skin associated with human papillomavirus type 6

Abstract

Cutaneous acanthomas encompass many clinically distinct types. We describe a patient with multiple nodules on the skin of the upper limbs which were histologically diagnosed as large-cell acanthomas. Further analysis revealed, surprisingly, the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) type 6 within these lesions. HPV type 6 should therefore be considered an important cofactor in the pathogenesis of large-cell acanthomas.