Verrucous Carcinoma of Vulva: A Report of Two Cases

INTRODUCTION

Vulvar cancer is a rare lesion of the female genital tract. The risk factors for the pathogenesis of this tumor are human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, smoking, diabetes, and obesity.^1,2 The use of oral contraceptives and vulvar cancer has not occurred primarily among older women; recent studies indicate a significant increase in the occurrence of in situ vulvar carcinomas (mainly HPV related), which usually occur in younger women.^3–6

The pathogenesis is not clear yet, but recent studies postulated a role for HPV in the etiology.^7–9 Additionally, the role of HPV infection has been confirmed by the detection of viral DNA in approximately 27% of verrucous carcinomas.^10–13

Here, we present a report of two cases. The treatment decided in both was only surgical, i.e., wide local excision followed by flap transfer if needed.

CASE DESCRIPTIONS

DISCUSSION

Verrucous carcinoma was first described in 1945 by Ackerman who reported an uncommon variant of squamous cell carcinoma. Cases most commonly involve the oral cavity as well as the skin, male and female external genitalia, cervix, bladder, esophagus, and anal canal.

Verrucous carcinoma of the vulva is a slow-growing malignancy that rarely affects lymph nodes and is presented as an exophytic growth that can be locally destructive. However, if untreated, it may reach voluminous sizes that may be mistaken for vulvar condylomata. Therefore, this tumor classification should be kept in mind whenever a patient with condyloma does not respond to topical treatment or in cases of local ulceration. Histological diagnosis is made by tumor–dermal interface with minimal stroma between the acanthotic epithelium, minimal nuclear atypia, hyperkeratotic areas on the surface of the tumor associated with low nuclear atypia, and diffuse and chronic stromal inflammation.

Treatment should prioritize surgical procedure, which will depend on lesion size and location (surgical excision, hemivulvectomy, or vulvectomy). A free surgical margin of at least 1 cm should be used in order to avoid recurrences. In cases of extensive tissue resection, grafts or flaps are needed for local reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

Verrucous carcinoma is rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma. But it should be kept in mind in a patient presenting with large vulvar lesion. The diagnosis is confirmed by histopathological examination. Treatment is only surgical excision and closure either primary or flap/graft cover depending upon size of lesion.

REFERENCES

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