Lung cancer developing in a young patient with Epidermodysplasia verruciformis

Abstract

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is a rare autosomal recessive hereditary disease, characterized by defects in cell-mediated immunity, susceptibility to skin infections by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and development of multiple cutaneous sqamouas cell carcinoma. While the oncogenic role of HPV is well recognized, only cutaneous sqamouas cell carcinoma was associated with EV. Herein we report of a patient with EV in whom lung cancer developed at a very young age, raising the possibility that HPV had a causative effect. A 21-year-old man with EV and squamous cell carcinoma of the left lower eyelid was referred to the oncology clinic. One year later, the patient complained of right chest pain. Computer tomography revealed lung mass and a bone lesion.  Bone biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. The cytological features were clearly distinctive from those in the skin. The present case suggests possible association between EV and squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. This observation may contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of these conditions.