HPV-related follicular cysts

Area of Science:

• Dermatopathology
• Oncology
• Virology

Background:

• Follicular cysts can present with varied histopathological features.
• Papillary projections within cysts are uncommon but significant findings.
• Viral papillomas are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and can affect various tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the histopathological findings in five cases of follicular cysts with papillary projections.
• To investigate the potential association with viral papillomas based on cytopathogenic effects.
• To determine the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) common antigens using immunohistochemistry.

Main Methods:

• Histopathological examination of five follicular cyst specimens.
• Microscopic analysis for epidermoid lining, keratinous material, vacuolated keratinocytes, parakeratosis, and keratohyaline granules.
• Immunohistochemical staining for human papillomavirus (HPV) common antigens.

Main Results:

• All five cases featured epidermoid lining and eosinophilic keratinous material within the cystic cavity.
• Characteristic cytopathogenic effects suggestive of viral papillomas were observed, including vacuolated keratinocytes and parakeratosis.
• Immunohistochemistry failed to detect common human papillomavirus (HPV) antigens in any of the examined specimens.

Conclusions:

• The observed cytopathogenic changes in follicular cysts mimic those of viral papillomas.
• Despite morphological similarities, the absence of detectable HPV antigens suggests that other etiologies may be responsible for these specific cyst presentations.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of these specific follicular cyst variants.