Extensive Papillomatosis of the Palate Exhibiting Epithelial Dysplasia and HPV 16 Gene Expression in a Renal Transplant Recipient

We report a unique case of extensive papillomatosis of the palate in a renal transplant recipient. The condition resembled inflammatory papillary hyperplasia; it exhibited severe epithelial dysplasia and concurred with generalized gingival hyperplasia. We document and discuss the probable multifactorial etiology of the lesions, including evidence for human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 expression, as detected by in situ reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. This report illustrates the need for careful clinical investigation and follow-up of immunosuppressed individuals presenting with apparently benign, common oral lesions.