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Immunosuppression in men with bowenoid papulosis
S B Feldman1, F M Sexton, J D Glenn
1Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey.
Archives of Dermatology
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Patients with persistent bowenoid papulosis may have altered immune status, particularly T4-helper cell depletion. This immune dysfunction increases the risk for developing epithelial cancers.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Bowenoid papulosis is a rare skin condition.
- Treatment-resistant cases warrant further investigation.
Observation:
- Four men with refractory bowenoid papulosis were studied.
- Three had concurrent infections and T4-helper cell depletion.
- One patient developed squamous cell carcinoma.
Findings:
- Immunosuppression, including T4-helper cell depletion, was observed in most patients.
- Human papillomavirus 16 DNA was found in both skin lesions and cancer.
- No patients tested positive for HIV antibodies.
Implications:
- Persistent bowenoid papulosis may indicate underlying immune system dysfunction.
- Patients require monitoring for potential development of epithelial malignancies.
- Investigating immune status is crucial for managing bowenoid papulosis.