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Case Reports
. 2021 Jun 2;57(6):563.
doi: 10.3390/medicina57060563.

Topical 5% Imiquimod Sequential to Surgery for HPV-Related Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lip

Giovanni Pentangelo  1 , Steven Paul Nisticò  2 , Eugenio Provenzano  3 , Giusy Ylenia Cisale  4 , Luigi Bennardo  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Topical 5% Imiquimod Sequential to Surgery for HPV-Related Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lip

Giovanni Pentangelo et al. Medicina (Kaunas). .

Abstract

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common neoplasms affecting the oral cavity and the face. Its more differentiated forms may be associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection.

Case report: In this paper, we report the case of an 86-year-old patient with a well-differentiated SCC of the lower lip associated with HPV treated with surgery with a non-complete histological resolution. Imiquimod 5% cream was applied on the surgical scar once a day for two weeks and then once a week. Two years after SCC removal, no relapse has occurred.

Conclusions: Topical imiquimod may be a safe and effective treatment after surgery in SCC of the oral area to reduce the risk of relapses.

Keywords: HPV; SCC; head and neck cancer; topical imiquimod.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
SCC of the lip before surgery.
Figure 2
Figure 2
SCC of the lip right after surgery.
Figure 3
Figure 3
SCC of the lip right after surgery.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Area affected two years after surgery.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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