Virus plays a role in skin cancer

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A study reveals the presence of human papilloma virus in squamous cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer.
We already known that certain strains of human papilloma virus (HPV) are associated with cervical cancer. Now researchers at Dartmouth Medical School reveal that other strains of HPV are linked to squamous cell carcinoma, which is the most common form of skin cancer.

The team examined blood from 252 patients with squamous cell carcinoma, 525 patients with basal cell carcinoma, and 461 contol subjects. Those with squamous cell carcinoma were more likely than the other two groups to have antibodies to HPV - evidence of infection. So, although sun exposure remains the leading cause of squamous cell carcinoma, HPV infection is a contributory factor. The study does not, however, prove a causal link. More research is needed to delineate exactly what role HPV plays in skin cancer.

Source
Journal of the National Cancer Institute 15th March 2006