Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and HPV-associated penile lesions are frequently found in male sexual partners of women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). To determine the significance of these findings, we studied the prevalence of HPV and HPV associated penile lesions in a male hospital population with non-STD complaints. Penoscopy was performed after application of acetic acid to identify flat lesions, papular lesions, condylomata acuminata and pearly penile papules (PPPs). Presence of HPV DNA in penile scrapes was tested by GP5؉6؉ PCR. In case of HPV 16 positivity, viral loads were quantified using a LightCycler based real-time PCR method. Comparing the non-STD male hospital population (n ‫؍‬ 118) with the male sexual partners of women with CIN (n ‫؍‬ 238), flat penile lesions were found in 14% vs. 60% and penile HPV in 25% vs. 59% of the men, respectively. Extensive research in women during the past decades has led to the conclusion that sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is etiologically linked to precancerous and invasive neoplastic lesions of the cervix. In fact, high-risk types of HPV have been detected in 99.7% of the cervical carcinomas. 1 Multiple studies have reported a role for the male sexual partner in the epidemiology of carcinoma of the cervix. 2-4 However, studies on penile lesions and HPV infection in men are scarce and have been mainly restricted to "high risk" populations such as those visiting clinics for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or male partners of women with HPV-associated diseases. 5-10 These studies, mainly reported from the late 1980s to the early 1990s, showed a wide spectrum of HPV-associated penile lesions varying from classical condylomata acuminata to lesions consistent with severe penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). More recently, we described penile lesions in 68% of the male sexual partners of women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). 11 Most of these lesions were flat and could be clearly visualised only after application of acetic acid. By polymerase chain reaction (PCR), HPV DNA was detected in 59% of the corresponding penile scrapes.Interpretation of these findings, however, was hampered by lack of data about HPV infections and HPV-associated penile lesions in men from the general population. These data are necessary to obtain sufficient insight in the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of HPV infection in men.Here we present data about penile lesions and presence of HPV in a male non-STD hospital population. The findings were compared to data in male sexual partners of women with CIN. In case of HPV 16 positivity, viral DNA loads were quantified and related to the presence of flat penile lesions. Material and methods Population AFrom April 2002 until November 2002, men between 18 and 75 years, visiting the outpatient non-STD clinic of the Department of Dermatology of the VU Medical Center in Amsterdam were asked to participate in the study. Not eligible were men who consulted the clinic because of a ...

The prevalence of MYOC mutations (2.2%) was similar to that found in hospital-based studies. Although mutations in MYOC are rare, relatives carrying this mutation run a high risk of developing the disease. Instead of submitting all members of a family with the Asn480Lys mutation to frequent follow-up, medical care can be restricted to those carrying the mutation.

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