The role of human papillomavirus in carcinoma.

Human papillomaviruses have long been identified as the cause of common warts and condylomata acuminata. Evidence is now accumulating that human papillomaviruses may be involved in not only benign, but also in malignant neoplasms. They might also be significant in the malignant transformation of cutaneous neoplasms. This review examines the oncogenic potential of human papillomaviruses when they are found in carcinomas in various anatomic areas, including the skin.