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Papillomavirus and anal carcinoma
P A Poletti1, A Halfon, M C Marti
1Policlinique de chirurgie, Hôpital Cantonal Universitaire de Genève, Switzerland.
International Journal of Colorectal Disease
|June 25, 1998
Summary
Genital human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is linked to cervical cancer. This study suggests HPV also increases the risk of developing anal carcinoma, possibly through contiguous spread.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Human papilloma virus (HPV), specifically types 16 and 18, is a known cause of cervical dysplasia.
- The association between HPV and anal carcinoma remains less understood.
- Investigating the HPV-anal cancer link is crucial for public health and cancer prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of HPV in surgically treated anal epidermoid carcinoma cases.
- To explore the potential role of HPV in the etiology of anal carcinoma.
- To compare HPV prevalence in anal cancer with existing data on cervical cancer.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 80 female patients with anal epidermoid carcinoma treated between 1976 and 1989.
- HPV DNA detection performed on 41 surgically preserved samples.
- Analysis of concurrent cervical smear results for 38 patients.
Main Results:
- HPV was detected in 17 out of 41 (42%) anal carcinoma samples.
- High-risk HPV types were prevalent, found in 15 out of 41 (36%) samples.
- Cervical abnormalities were noted in 18% of the patients with available cervical smears.
Conclusions:
- Genital HPV infection is a significant risk factor for cervical cancer.
- The findings suggest a potential etiological role for HPV in anal carcinoma development.
- Contiguous spread of HPV from the genital tract may contribute to anal cancer, warranting further investigation.