Review of the current medical literature and assessment of current utilization patterns regarding human papillomavirus in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry in dermatopathology

Abstract

Human papillomaviruses have been implicated in many cutaneous diseases. Practicing dermatopathologists often consider using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization to help clarify the histologic diagnosis, particularly in cases with borderline or nondiagnostic features. We reviewed the current evidence behind the use of these two techniques in dermatopathology. We identified only two studies utilizing the currently available immunohistochemical antibodies. We found more evidence regarding the use of in situ hybridization; however, the majority of this evidence focuses on diagnosing condylomas and other lesions of the genital skin. We also assessed current utilization patterns of attendees of the American Society of Dermatopathology annual meeting (Chicago, 2016) which revealed a wide spectrum of current utilization ranging from no use to regular use more than once per month. Two-thirds of respondents utilized these tests primarily when requested by the submitting clinician and one-third of the respondents utilize these tests reflexively in specific clinical scenarios.