[Human papillomavirus in the aetiology of skin cancer].

At present, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is chiefly known for its causal relationship with cervical cancer. Apart from genital types, the papillomavirus family consists of numerous human cutaneous types. The majority belongs to the so-called epidermodysplasia-verruciformis(EV)-HPV types that are potentially involved in skin cancer development. Non-melanoma skin cancers, especially cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma contain HPV DNA (30-60%). In immune-suppressed organ transplant recipients this percentage increases up to 90. Recent epidemiological studies show a statistically significant association between EV-HPV infection and squamous cell carcinoma. In addition recent experimental studies show specific EV-HPV types have a potential to transform cells that is comparable to high-risk genital HPV types. These data indicate that cutaneous HPV infections and squamous cell carcinoma development are associated.