Distribution of high‐risk α‐genus human papillomavirus genotypes impacts cutaneous neoplasms

Background High‐risk α‐genus human papillomaviruses (α‐ HPV s) are linked to cervical and genital carcinomas; however, their correlation with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cu SCC ) or premalignant skin lesions remains controversial. Objective We evaluated the contribution of high‐risk α‐ HPV to the occurrence of cu SCC , Bowen's disease and actinic keratosis ( AK ), and the distribution of high‐risk α‐ HPV genotypes in these cutaneous tumours. Methods HPV genotypes were determined using a commercial PCR ‐based microarray on skin tissue samples collected from 76 [38 young (<60 years) and 38 elderly (>60 years)] cu SCC , 34 Bowen's disease, 48 AK patients and 10 young controls. Associations between α‐ HPV prevalence and relevant risk factors were analysed. Results High‐risk α‐ HPV was more frequently detected in cu SCC patients (57.9%) than in the patients with Bowen's disease (38.2%), AK (0.0%) and control patients (10.0%). The high‐risk α‐ HPV prevalence was higher in young than in elderly cu SCC patients (65.8% vs. 50.0%, P  =   0.031). The most common HPV type was 16, present in 90.9% of all HPV ‐carrying cu SCC patients. Multiple infections with different high‐risk α‐ HPV types were found in 20.5% of HPV ‐related cu SCC , whereas only single infection with type 16 was found in Bowen's disease. Although sun exposure is known as a major risk factor for cu SCC , high‐risk α‐ HPV s were more frequently found in non‐exposed sites rather than in sun‐exposed sites of cu SCC . Conclusion Multiple infections, as well as single infection with high‐risk α‐ HPV may link to cu SCC . In spite of the involvement of high‐risk α‐ HPV at high levels in cu SCC and Bowen's disease, no high‐risk α‐ HPV was detected in AK patients, suggesting that Bowen's disease rather than AK might be involved in the development of HPV ‐related cu SCC as a precursor.