Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung in a nonsmoking, nonirradiated patient with juvenile laryngotracheal papillomatosis. Evidence of human papillomavirus-11 DNA in both carcinoma and papillomas.

Abstract

Malignant transformation of laryngeal juvenile papillomatosis most often occurs in patients with previous radiation therapy or smoking histories. We report the case of a 35-year-old, nonsmoking, nonirradiated man who developed squamous cell carcinoma of the lung with a 33-year history of laryngotracheal juvenile papillomatosis. Postmortem examination showed pulmonary cavitating papillomatosis and chest wall, vertebrae, and peribronchial lymph node involvement by tumor. Molecular studies (Southern blot, polymerase chain reaction) showed extrachromosomal human papillomavirus-11 (HPV11) DNA in both carcinoma and two laryngotracheal squamous cell papillomas, including one excised 20 years previously. Our observation is analogous to the previously reported cases of spontaneous (not related to irradiation or smoking) malignant transformation of juvenile laryngotracheal papillomatosis. Although HPV11 viral infection likely played a role in the malignant transformation, other less likely factors, such as drugs given for treatment and radiography performed throughout the illness, should be considered. Repeated pulmonary infections and the host immune response are additional considerations.