Verucciform xanthoma of the penis not associated with human papillomavirus infection

Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2005 Mar;129(3):e62-4. doi: 10.5858/2005-129-e62-VXOTPN.

Abstract

Verruciform xanthoma (VX) is a rare lesion with a predilection for oral mucosa. Only 16 cases of VX of the penis have been reported. Histologically, VX lesions in different locations are identical; however, the etiology is controversial. Previous studies have reported the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in VX of the skin. The purpose of this study was to determine whether HPV is a causative agent in this rare case of VX of the penis. Microscopically, the lesion demonstrated prominent verrucoid squamous hyperplasia with hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, and acanthosis. Histiocytes, a hallmark of VX, were identified in the elongated dermal papillae. Nested polymerase chain reaction was performed on the DNA with the commonly used primer sets MY9/MY11 and GP5+/GP6+, which identify more than 40 HPV types. The results failed to identify HPV DNA in the sample, although HPV could be readily detected in genomic DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded condyloma acuminatum, a known HPV-associated lesion. Additionally, we tested a VX lesion of the palate for HPV DNA and obtained negative results. Our results indicate that VX can arise without HPV infection and suggest other possible origins may be involved.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Papillomaviridae / isolation & purification
  • Papillomavirus Infections / diagnosis
  • Penile Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Xanthomatosis / diagnosis*