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Lichen sclerosus and squamous cell carcinoma
M Gutiérrez-Pascual1, F J Vicente-Martín, J L López-Estebaranz
1Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain. mgutierrezpas@hotmail.com
Actas Dermo-Sifiliograficas
|March 27, 2012
Summary
Lichen sclerosus, a chronic inflammatory condition, is linked to anogenital cancers. Tumor-promoting changes, independent of HPV, may explain its malignant potential, though the HPV link remains debated.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory condition with malignant potential.
- It is associated with anogenital squamous cell carcinoma and verrucous carcinoma.
- Recent research identifies pathogenic pathways in vulvar and penile intraepithelial neoplasias linked to lichen sclerosus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between lichen sclerosus and squamous cell/verrucous carcinomas.
- To explore potential oncogenic mechanisms involved in this association.
- To discuss the possible role and impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on lichen sclerosus and anogenital cancers.
- Analysis of pathogenic pathways in intraepithelial neoplasias.
- Examination of molecular changes related to tumor promotion.
Main Results:
- Two specific intraepithelial neoplasia pathways are highly associated with genital lichen sclerosus, independent of HPV.
- Tumor-promoting molecular alterations, not HPV-related, are implicated in lichen sclerosus malignancy.
- The association between HPV and genital lichen sclerosus remains under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Lichen sclerosus has a significant association with anogenital squamous cell and verrucous carcinomas.
- Oncogenic mechanisms, potentially independent of HPV, contribute to the malignant transformation of lichen sclerosus.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of HPV and the prognostic significance of co-infection.
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