The association between digital SCCs and HPV is well known, but these authors recommend a focus on sterilizing the periphery of the SCC rather than identifying the precise HPV type, which does not affect management.
Digital squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is rare, but it is often associated with high-risk, oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes. Moy and colleagues initially reported the connection in 1989 (JAMA 1989; 261:2669). These authors critically reviewed the literature on this association and added seven of their own patients (4 with HIV) to their analysis. They performed HPV typing of 6 of 10 lesions in these patients by immunostain or polymerase chain reaction and found a variety of high-risk oncogenic subtypes, including HPV-16, -33, -51, and -73.
The authors do not recommend routine HPV typing of digital SCCs, as the outcome does not affect clinical management. Endorsing the previously accepted view that digital SCCs may arise from genit…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardAmway
Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; Dermatologic Surgery; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; Lasers in Medical Science; Skin Therapy Letter
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Health Care Finance Committee); American College of Mohs Surgery (Board of Directors); American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (Board of Directors)
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardAmway
Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; Dermatologic Surgery; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; Lasers in Medical Science; Skin Therapy Letter
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Health Care Finance Committee); American College of Mohs Surgery (Board of Directors); American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (Board of Directors)