Epidermodysplasia verruciformis. Skin carcinoma containing human papillomavirus type 5 DNA sequences and primary hepatocellular carcinoma associated with chronic hepatitis B virus infection in a patient

Abstract

In a case of epidermodysplasia verruciformis with impaired cell-mediated immunity and multiple skin cancers human papillomavirus type 5 (HPV5) DNA sequences were demonstrated in a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. HPV5 and HPV8 were detected in the benign disseminated skin lesions together with three newly characterized HPVs: HPV17, HPV19 and HPV24. A chronic infection with hepatitis B virus resulting in macronodular cirrhosis associated with a primary hepatocellular carcinoma was also acquired by this patient. This case provides an example of the circumstantial evidence which suggests that certain types of HPV are potentially oncogenic and stresses the importance of immune surveillance in the protection against virus-associated tumors.