Introduction & Objective : Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is one of the tumors arising from the epidermis, mucous membranes or anogenital region. This tumor has high rate of invasion and metastases . Regional lymph nodes metastases are reported. This tumor has high incidence in middle-aged and old persons. Human papilloma virus (HPV) has been detected in cutaneous SCC in some studies. Since the rate of recurrence and invasion of this tumor is high, finding association between SCC and HPV can help to apply antiviral treatment against this virus.

Materials & Methods : In this study 66 paraffin embedded skin SCC and their margins were selected and DNA isolation was performed by high pure product purification kit. By PCR technique , chain extension and primer annealing and denaturing was performed on DNA. Then PCR product was evaluated by electrophoresis with agar gel beside +/- control.

Results : 13 out of 66 (19.7%) SCC specimens and 2 out of margins (3%) were positive for HPV. Among the HPV positive cases, 86.7% were in the tumors and 13.3% were perilesional (P.value=0.0003).

Conclusion: We found a positive association between HPV and skin SCC. Therefore antiviral drugs application may be useful in prevention of the improvement , recurrence and invasion of skin SCC.