Occurrence of dysplasia and human papilloma virus typing in penile condylomas

To determine the incidence of dysplasia as a preneoplastic change and high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in penile condylomas, which are common HPV-related lesions and considered a risk factor for penile cancer.

Histologic analysis was done of 58 consecutive penile condylomas with tissue diagnosis. An immunohistochemical panel that included stains for p53, Ki-67, and p16INK4a was also used. HPV typing was successfully performed in 43 lesions. Genotyping was accomplished through polymerase chain reaction and flow-through hybridization with an HPV GenoArray Diagnostic Test kit.

Dysplasia was observed in 13 of the 58 condylomas (22%). High-risk HPV DNA was detected in 5 of 10 dysplastic lesions (50%) for which tissue blocks were available for study. High-risk HPV was not detected in the nondysplastic lesions (P<.001). Ki-67≥20% above the basal layer of epithelium and p53-positive immunostaining occurred more frequently in dysplastic lesions than in nondysplastic lesions; however, the difference was not statistically significance. Staining for p16INK4a was not helpful.

Anogenital condylomas in men are usually treated using destructive methods or with medication. We suggest that at least a part of the lesion must be removed and sent for histopathologic examination. If the histologic result shows significant dysplastic alteration, the lesion should be further investigated to determine the subtype of infective virus, because 50% of such lesions are associated with high-risk HPV. When oncogenic pathogens are found, careful patient follow-up for recurrences and counseling for the patient and his sexual partner(s) may be warranted.