Human Herpes Virus Dna is Rarely Detected in Non-Uv Light-Associated Primary Malignant Melanomas of Mucous Membranes

BACKGROUND:UV-radiation is the most important causative factor for malignant melanomas of the skin. However, this is not the case for melanomas on sun-sheltered body surfaces. The aim of this study was to investigate if human herpes virus DNA could be found in malignant melanomas in sun-sheltered body areas and if these viruses play a role in the development of extracutaneous melanomas.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Forty-one extracutaneous melanomas were dissected and used for further analysis. Quantitative PCR methods were used for detection of the eight human herpes viruses in melanoma samples.RESULTS:Human herpes virus DNA was absent in 37/41 melanomas, however, cytomegalovirus DNA was detected in two samples, and one sample each exhibited presence of Epstein-Barr virus and Human Herpes virus-6 DNA respectively.CONCLUSION:Human herpes virus DNA is rarely detected in primary malignant melanomas in non-sun exposed body surfaces and is not a major factor for the development of extracutaneous melanomas.