Virus-Induced Cancers of the Skin and Mucosa: Are We Dealing with "Smoking Guns" or "Smoke and Mirrors" in the Operating Theatre?

There is now sufficient evidence to support the hypotheses that live infectious carcinogenic viruses can be transmitted via smoke generated from surgical procedures, and, in rare instances, actually cause significant disease. Protective measures such as smoke extraction and airway protection should be instituted for all healthcare personnel, particularly those with multiple repeated exposures such as gynaecological surgeons.