Herpesvirus in bladder cancer

A case of squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in which herpesvirus virions could be identified by electron microscopy is presented. The value of cytology in the recognition of the typical intranuclear inclusions which led to the initiation of further studies is emphasized. Recent evidence concerning the relationship between herpesviruses and human cancer is briefly reviewed. Although previous reports have emphasized the association of HSV and uterine cervical carcinoma, other combinations, especially with neoplasms of squamous cell type, have been reported. The accumulation of additional cases in which viruses can be demonstrated in cancers will help to define their role in human neoplasia.