Detection of human papillomavirus DNA in fine needle aspirates of women with breast cancer

Background: HPV infection is the most commonly distributed sexually transmitted disease. Human papillomavirus has also been linked to malignant tumors of many human organs. The presence of viral DNA in breast cancer cells is controversial. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of HPV-DNA in a group of Greek women with breast carcinoma. Methods: Liquid cytology specimens from 35 malignant breast cases and 35 cases with benign breast lesions were investigated by PCR (clinical arrays technique). In addition, in situ hybridization was performed on all HPV positive cases. Results: HPV-DNA was detected in 17.14% of the carcinoma cases and HPV16 DNA was present in 83.3% of them. All benign breast lesions were negative for HPV-DNA. Conclusion: Our report confirmed the presence of HPV in breast cancer cells while the most prevalent type was HPV16. More studies are necessary in order to elucidate the pathogenesis of HPV and a possible way of prevention of some breast cancers.