Human Papillomavirus Type 2 in a Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Finger

BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus (HPV) type 2 is generally considered to be a benign viral infection associated with common warts. Other HPV types have been associated with the development of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). OBJECTIVE To describe a case of HPV type 2 identified in a SCC of the finger in an immunocompetent patient. To our knowledge, this is the first such case reported in the literature. METHODS This is a case report and review of the literature. RESULTS Mohs micrographic surgery performed in two stages effectively removed the tumor. CONCLUSION HPV type 2 may play a role in the development of cutaneous SCC. Further epidemiologic and molecular studies of HPV and SCCs will be helpful in determining the role of HPV type 2 in cutaneous oncogenesis.