Epstein-Barr virus: dermatologic associations and implications: part II. Associated lymphoproliferative disorders and solid tumors

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was the first human virus to be associated with oncogenesis. Over the past few decades, cumulative research has revealed that latent EBV infection may be implicated in the pathogenesis of a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative disorders and malignancies occurring in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. Many of these diseases have either primary or secondary cutaneous manifestations. Serologic studies and EBV-encoded RNA in situ hybridization stains have been used to show the association of EBV with disease; while these findings may imply a role, they do not equate with causation. In part II of this continuing medical education review, the salient features of EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders and solid tumors are detailed.

Keywords: Burkitt lymphoma; Epstein–Barr virus; Hodgkin lymphoma; NK/T-cell lymphoma; angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma; diffuse large B-cell lymphoma; gastric carcinoma; hemophagocytic syndrome; hydroa vacciniforme–like lymphoma; leiomyosarcoma; lymphomatoid granulomatosis; nasopharyngeal carcinoma; posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder.