Oral verrucous carcinoma: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Abstract

Verrucous carcinoma is a low-grade variant of squamous cell carcinoma with specific morphologic, cytokinetic and clinical features. Despite low mitotic activity and slow growth, it can infiltrate adjacent tissues in advanced stages but does not metastasize. The most frequently affected site is the oral cavity. The following article provides latest updates in the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostics and treatment options in oral verrucous carcinoma and discusses the existing dilemmas linked to this unique malignancy.

Keywords

• verrucous carcinoma
• oral verrucous carcinoma
• squamous cell carcinoma
• diagnostics; differential diagnosis
• treatment