Human papillomavirus 16 and p16 positive nasal cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in immunocompetent men in their twenties.

Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is usually associated with long-term ultraviolet light exposure. Human papillomavirus 16 is a high-risk mucosal human papillomavirus type, usually associated with anogenital and oropharyngeal cancer. This paper describes the first two cases of human papillomavirus 16 and p16 related nasal cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Method: Prospective case series from December 2015.

Results: Two young, male, fair-skinned patients had large (greater than 20 mm), rapidly growing, ulcerated lesions of the nasal tip. The tumours were excised, with at least a 6 mm margin, and the patients' noses were subsequently reconstructed. Neither patient had cervical lymphadenopathy or underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. Both patients were registered at the same general practice. The tumours were human papillomavirus 16 and p16 positive; the latter indicated that the virus was driving the disease process. Except for superficial burns, neither patient had other risk factors.

Conclusion: Changes in sexual practices have led to an increase in human papillomavirus positive oropharyngeal carcinoma and there may be an associated increase in human papillomavirus type 16 positive nasal cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.