Plantar verrucous carcinoma (epithelioma cuniculatum): case report with review of the literature

Abstract

Verrucous carcinoma is a rare highly keratinizing variant of squamous cell carcinoma that is a slow-growing, locally aggressive, and rarely metastasizing tumor. It may involve various body sites including oral, genital, and plantar areas. The tumor has a characteristic gross appearance with multiple sinuses opening on the surface and may present a difficult diagnostic problem. Multiple biopsies and close clinical correlation are frequently required before a definite diagnosis is possible. The differential diagnosis is especially difficult if only fragments or superficial portions of the lesion are submitted for histological evaluation. Reviewing surgical material from our institution from 1976 to 1983, we located four cases of verrucous carcinoma of the foot. These four cases were diagnosed on the bases of clinical, gross, and microscopic appearances. One of the cases had bilateral lesions. One of the cases is described with review of the literature.