Verrucous carcinoma of the oral cavity: a clinico-pathologic appraisal of 133 cases in Indians

Abstract

Introduction: Verrucous carcinoma (VC), a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma is an established entity with distinctive morphology and specific clinical behavior. To date, only a small series of head and neck verrucous carcinomas have been reported in the literature.

Materials and methods: The present study evaluated 133 cases of verrucous carcinoma for the age, sex, site of involvement, duration of disease at the time of diagnosis, associated habits and common presenting symptoms, presence of other mucosal lesions, recurrence, and the histopathology.

Results and discussion: Verrucous carcinoma accounted for 16.08% among oral squamous cell carcinoma compared to 2-12% reported in the literature. VC was more common in males with greater predilection to buccal mucosa due to widespread use of tobacco chewing in Indian scenario. Age distribution was lower as compared to other studies with prominence in the fifth decade. Mandibular involvement was more frequent as compared to those in literature.

Conclusion: Development of recurrence following radiotherapy in few cases supports anaplastic changes by radiotherapy.