Adenoacanthoma of the endometrium: morphological changes induced by human papillomavirus

Article Abstract:

Adenocarcinomas are malignant tumors in which, under the microscope, cancer cells have the appearance of glandular structures. They may be compared with squamous cell carcinoma, in which the cancer cells have a scaly, i.e. squamous, appearance and no glandular structure. Adenoacanthoma of the uterine endometrium is a cancer of the epithelium which contains both glandular elements and squamous elements. In the adenoacanthoma, the glandular elements are malignant and the squamous elements are histologically benign. However, in some adenoacanthomas, the squamous structures have the histological appearance of epithelium which has been infected with papilloma virus (which causes genital warts). This observation prompted a review of 87 hysterectomy specimens for further evidence of papillomavirus infection. Forty-six specimens had characteristics of adenoacanthoma; 11 specimens were examined using DNA hybridization. In this technique, a strand of DNA, which is complementary to viral DNA, is incubated with the tissue section. The complementary strand will stick to any viral DNA which might be present. The method revealed the presence papillomavirus in 6 of the 11 sections. The authors do not believe that papillomavirus actually plays a causative role in endometrial adenoacanthoma. Rather, they suggest that the viral infection is easily acquired by the abnormal, cancerous tissue. However, the possibility must be considered that the infection of the squamous portion of these tumors by papillomavirus might change the local environment and promote the development of adenoacanthoma of the endometrium in come cases. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Endometrial cancer, Endometrium, Adenoacanthoma

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Role of papillomaviruses

Article Abstract:

Papillomaviruses (PV) are DNA viruses, occurring primarily in squamous cells, and are the cause of warts and papillomas (benign tumors projecting from the surrounding surface), and other lesions in man and animals. In man, these lesions are found in many sites, including the mouth and throat, the anogenital area, lower respiratory tract mucosa, the nasal cavity and the skin. The taxonomical characteristics, structure, DNA organization and classification of PV, are described in detail. These viruses have been implicated as the causative agent in squamous cell carcinoma. Shope virus, also called the cottontail rabbit papilloma virus (CRPV), represents a well defined experimental system for PV-induced carcinogenesis. Some epidemiologic data support the relationship between PV and cancers of the penis and cervix, and possibly other related cancers. Conversion of the benign tumor to cancer usually requires exposure to substances such as methylcholanthrene or coal tar products or other viruses. The role of PV in the development of malignant tumors is not clear, although their association with malignant masses is increasingly evident. An extensive list of references is appended. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Papillomaviruses, Papillomavirus

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Genes, ethnicity, and risk assessment

Article Abstract:

Assessments of cancer risk are primarily calculated on the basis of environmental aspects at the risk of ignoring genetic factors. DNA in the somatic cells keeps the cells stable, but genetic variants may arise due to either genetic or environmental factors. Such variants lead to cancer and other related diseases. Genetic and somatic risks in populations need to reflect segregation of the genetic factors that influence these genetic variants in individuals.

Risk factors, Diseases, Demographic aspects, Genetic research

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