Correlation between human papillomavirus infection and clinicopathological parameters in anal canal carcinoma

We evaluated human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in 17 anal canal tumors and its correlation with symptomatology, tumor extension and prognosis. Five squamous carcinomas and 4 cloacogenic tumors resulted HPV+. Statistical analysis showed no correlation between HPV infection and tumor morphology, lymph node involvement or prognosis, and no significant difference in the duration of symptoms between HPV+ and HPV- patients. HPV are involved in the pathogenesis of the tumors, but are not responsible for an increased neoplastic malignancy. Anoscopy with brushing or biopsy is a suitable screening method to identify HPV.