HPV-driven anal neoplasia: review and recent developments.

Area of Science:

• Anorectal pathology
• Oncology
• Virology

Background:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to various anal canal lesions.
• Squamous and glandular lesions are identified in both men and women.
• Familiarity with the morphological spectrum of HPV-driven anal neoplasia is essential for diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the classification and histopathological features of HPV-related anal lesions.
• To highlight diagnostic pitfalls associated with HPV-driven anal neoplasia.
• To provide an update on recently described non-squamous HPV-driven tumors.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of HPV-associated anal lesions.
• Analysis of histopathological features of squamous intraepithelial and invasive lesions.
• Inclusion of recently described non-squamous HPV-driven tumors.

Main Results:

• Detailed review of the morphological spectrum of HPV-related squamous intraepithelial and invasive anal lesions.
• Identification of common diagnostic pitfalls.
• Summary of emerging non-squamous HPV-driven tumors in the anal canal.

Conclusions:

• Accurate identification of HPV-driven anal neoplasia requires familiarity with its diverse histopathological features.
• Ongoing evolution of knowledge is expected, particularly regarding non-squamous HPV-driven neoplasia.
• This review aids clinicians and pathologists in diagnosing and managing these rare lesions.