Verrucous carcinoma of the uterine cervix

Verrucous carcinoma is a variant of squamous cell carcinoma that is often found in the oral cavity, skin and larynx. It rarely occurs in the genital tract, especially in the cervix. A 66-year-old postmenopausal female had undergone a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at a local hospital 1 year previously, due to carcinoma in situ of the cervix. The patient complained of profuse discharge from the vagina. Under the impression of chronic inflammation and suspicion of cancer recurrence, the patient was transferred to the Tri-Service General Hospital. A pelvic examination revealed a cauliflower-like, fungating mass about 4 cm in diameter located in the anterior vaginal vault. A biopsy disclosed verrucous carcinoma. Cystoscopy with bladder biopsy also confirmed direct tumor invasion into the bladder trigone. Anterior exenteration was performed including radical cystectomy, ileal conduit, vaginectomy, bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection and appendectomy. The final pathology report was verrucous carcinoma with bladder invasion. The margins of the ureters and vaginal cutting end were free of cancerous cells. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for verrucous carcinoma. Radiotherapy is contraindicated because it may induce anaplastic transformation with subsequent regional and distant metastasis. Further surgical excision, even exenteration, is required for recurrent tumors.