High-risk human papillomavirus-associated corneal/conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia in a young patient

PURPOSE: To report a case of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated corneal/conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in a 17-year-old fair-skinned male with no other risk factors. OBSERVATIONS: A 17-year-old Caucasian male presented with an 18-month history of left eye pain, redness, itchiness, and decreased vision. Examination revealed a leukoplakic nasal limbal/peripheral corneal lesion resistant to topical antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatments. Excisional biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of CIN, and RNA in situ hybridization testing for high-risk HPV types 16/18 was positive. Subsequent testing of the patient for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) returned negative. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: The median age of CIN diagnosis in the United States is in the sixth decade of life and is usually associated with a history of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. There are reports of CIN in young patients with systemic immunodeficiency, immunosuppression, xeroderma pigmentosum, atopic dermatitis, asthma, and vaping. Here we present a case of high-risk HPV-associated CIN in a young, fair-skinned patient with no other identifiable risk factors.