Human Papillomavirus-Related Multiphenotypic Sinonasal Carcinoma: A Recent Discovery. A Case Report and Literature...

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma is a distinct, recently described neoplasm of salivary gland nature that has an unusual microscopic appearance exhibiting multidirectional differentiation. Originally described by Bishop et al. in 2012, this distinct form of head and neck cancer is a very rare entity that few pathologists have encountered in practice, and only 50 cases have been reported in the literature. It usually presents as a large, destructive mass confined to the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses, and is always associated with high-risk HPV infection. Although histologically it often resembles adenoid cystic carcinoma, this neoplasm also consistently exhibits features of myoepithelial, ductal and squamous differentiation. Newly recognized characteristics have recently been described that include bizarre pleomorphism, sarcomatoid transformation, and heterologous cartilaginous differentiation. These unique features have continued to expand the morphologic spectrum of this neoplasm and justify the recent change in its nomenclature from "HPV-related carcinoma with adenoid cystic-like features" to "HPV-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma (HMSC)". In 2017, "HPV-related carcinoma with adenoid cystic like features" was included as a provisional tumor type by the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumors. Despite the presence of high-grade histologic characteristics such as necrosis and brisk mitotic activity, and a tendency for recurrence, HMSC demonstrates indolent clinical behavior and carries a good prognosis.