Transitional cell neoplasm of the nasolacrimal duct associated with human papillomavirus type 11.
BACKGROUND
Tumors of the lacrimal sac are rare but noteworthy because of their significant potential to become malignant or life-threatening if treatment is delayed. Dermatologists may be the first to encounter such neoplasms.


METHODS
We report a case of a 53-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with a seven-year history of an asymptomatic, subcutaneous nodule near her right medial canthus. Histology of the lesion revealed transitional epithelium in a papillary growth pattern with numerous goblet cells, scattered mitoses and focal full-thickness atypia. The patient was diagnosed with transitional cell neoplasm (inverted papilloma-type) of the nasolacrimal duct. PCR evaluation identified HPV type 11 in the lesion.


CONCLUSIONS
Our report is one of a growing number of case reports and series detecting HPV DNA in these tumors which further supports HPV as an etiologic agent in epithelial lacrimal sac tumors. We believe that dermatopathologists need to be aware of this entity, as dermatologists may be the first to encounter these neoplasms.


CONCLUSIONS
The association of HPV with this tumor does not prove causality.
Vickers
Jennifer L
JL
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555.
Matherne
Ryan J
RJ
Allison
Ashley W
AW
Wilkerson
Michael G
MG
Tyring
Stephen K
SK
Bartlett
Brenda L
BL
Rady
Peter L
PL
Kelly
Brent C
BC
D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000821:virology*; D005134:Eye Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000821:virology*; D005260:Female; D052140:Human papillomavirus 11; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009301:Nasolacrimal Duct / Q000473:pathology*; D018308:Papilloma, Inverted / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000150:complications*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction