Human papillomavirus DNA in a recurrent squamous carcinoma of the eyelid

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a molecular technique that amplifies specific target DNA sequences in vitro to facilitate identification of DNA. We have applied the PCR to a recurrent infiltrating, well-differentiated squamous carcinoma from the right lower eyelid of a 37-year-old woman. With primers specific for human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 DNA, PCR yielded a single band of amplified DNA product. The product was positive, with a radiolabeled HPV type 16 probe on dot blot analysis. The presence of HPV type 16 viral DNA in this recurrent squamous carcinoma of the eyelid has implications with regard to the possible origin, treatment, and prognosis of the tumor.