HPV-Related Pelvic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Primary: Two Case Studies

Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) presents diagnostic and management challenges, particularly when associated with rare subsets such as pelvic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of unknown primary origin. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is increasingly recognized as a prognostic and potentially predictive biomarker. HPV-associated SCCs often demonstrate better response to treatment and improved outcomes.

We present two cases of pelvic SCC with unknown primary origin, both positive for HPV genotype 16. Case 1 involved a 54-year-old woman with persistent abdominal pain who was diagnosed with an infiltrative 110 × 100 × 65 mm tumoral mass on the right side of the pelvic cavity, significantly involving the right iliac bone and right iliopsoas muscle; despite chemotherapy, the patient developed metastases. Case 2 featured a 46-year-old woman with progressive left lower limb pain, whose pelvic SCC was incidentally discovered on imaging with an 80 × 75 mm mass with an abnormal signal in the left iliac bone with extension to the left iliopsoas muscle involving the lower aspect of the iliopsoas muscle, and also involving the anterior aspect of the left sacral bone. She achieved a complete response to chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy, with no evidence of recurrence during follow-up.

HPV-associated pelvic SCC of unknown primary presents both diagnostic complexity and therapeutic opportunity. The detection of HPV genotype 16 in both cases supports a growing body of case-based evidence suggesting a potential association with a favorable prognosis. However, further studies are needed to clarify its role in guiding management.