[Buschke-Löwenstein tumour: diagnosis and treatment]

Abstract

Buschke-Löwenstein tumour is classified as a verrucous carcinoma. It presents like an exophytic tumour of the genital or peri-anal area, with ulceration and sometimes fistulae and sinuses. It is preferentially seen in men and immunocompromised patients. Histological appearance is not far from condyloma acuminata, but with a tendency to compress and displace deeper tissues, without basement membrane disruption. HPV types 6 or 11 are regularly found in association with this tumour. Other STI have to be searched. Physical examination and precise imagery are useful to chose the right treatment regimen. Radical excision is recommended to avoid malignant transformation, but has to be large because of the high number of recurrences. Other treatment modalities such as chemotherapy or imiquimod could be of interest to avoid mutilating surgical interventions. A regular follow-up is necessary because of frequent recurrences and possible malignant transformation.