HPV-associated skin disease

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are DNA tumour viruses that induce hyperproliferative lesions in cutaneous and mucosal epithelia. The relationship between HPV and non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is important clinically since NMSC is the most common form of malignancy among fair‐skinned populations. It is well established that solar ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is the major risk factor for developing NMSC, but a pathogenic role for HPV in the development of NMSC has also been proposed. Recent molecular studies reveal a likely role for HPV infection in skin carcinogenesis as a co‐factor in association with UV. This review summarizes the literature describing these data, highlights some of the important findings derived from these studies, and speculates on future perspectives. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.