Track

Clinical Studies

Abstract

High-risk HPV has been associated with squamous cancers, however low-risk HPV strains can be oncogenic drivers as well. Recent studies have described a novel association of HPV42, which is usually classified as low-risk, to be the oncogenic driver for Digital Papillary Adenocarcinoma, a cutaneous adnexal neoplasm that can result in distant metastasis and death.  We reviewed PubMed literature and identified 124 reported cases of Digital Papillary Adenocarcinoma. Additionally, we report a case in our hospital diagnosed by histopathologic features and positive S100, p63, and EMA immunohistochemical stains. Positive HPV42 in situ hybridization result was used to support the diagnosis. Currently more literature describes usage of histopathologic features and immunohistochemistry stains to make the diagnosis, the most common stains including Ki67, CEA, S100 and p63. Only a fraction (15/124) cases had adjunct molecular testing for HPV42. As 73.3% of reported cases were positive for HPV42, further investigation is needed to assess the role of HPV in the pathogenesis of the lesion, determine its prognostic significance and whether it can aid in determining local excision or finger amputation.