Health

HPV linked to skin cancer

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted April 3, 2006

Print  |   Email  |   Respond  |   Reprints  |   Like Facebook  |   Share Twitter  |   Tweet Linkedin

The human papillomavirus might increase the risk of squamous cell skin cancer but does not appear to make basal cell carcinoma more likely, according to a study published in the March 15 Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Researchers used multiplex serology to detect variations of the virus in the skin of those with these types of cancer and compared them with those who were cancer-free. HPV antibodies were 60% more likely in those with squamous cell carcinoma, but no significant difference was found when skin samples from healthy volunteers were compared with those with the basal cell form of the disease.

Those who developed tumors on skin that had been heavily exposed to the sun were more likely to be carrying the virus than those who developed the cancer elsewhere on their bodies. The risk of cancer also was increased if there were more viral subtypes present.

The authors suggest that this research might lead to new treatments for this type of cancer.

"While further study is needed, a potential role of viruses in skin cancer occurrence could represent a new line of investigation for the detection and treatment of squamous cell skin cancer," said Margaret R. Karagas, PhD, lead author and professor in the Dept. of Community and Family Medicine at Dartmouth Medical School in Lebanon, N.H.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/04/03/hlbf0403.htm.

Back to top


ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISE HERE


Featured
Read story

Confronting bias against obese patients

Medical educators are starting to raise awareness about how weight-related stigma can impair patient-physician communication and the treatment of obesity. Read story


Read story

Goodbye

American Medical News is ceasing publication after 55 years of serving physicians by keeping them informed of their rapidly changing profession. Read story


Read story

Policing medical practice employees after work

Doctors can try to regulate staff actions outside the office, but they must watch what they try to stamp out and how they do it. Read story


Read story

Diabetes prevention: Set on a course for lifestyle change

The YMCA's evidence-based program is helping prediabetic patients eat right, get active and lose weight. Read story


Read story

Medicaid's muddled preventive care picture

The health system reform law promises no-cost coverage of a lengthy list of screenings and other prevention services, but some beneficiaries still might miss out. Read story


Read story

How to get tax breaks for your medical practice

Federal, state and local governments offer doctors incentives because practices are recognized as economic engines. But physicians must know how and where to find them. Read story


Read story

Advance pay ACOs: A down payment on Medicare's future

Accountable care organizations that pay doctors up-front bring practice improvements, but it's unclear yet if program actuaries will see a return on investment. Read story


Read story

Physician liability: Your team, your legal risk

When health care team members drop the ball, it's often doctors who end up in court. How can physicians improve such care and avoid risks? Read story

  • Stay informed
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • LinkedIn