[Verrucous carcinoma of the oral mucosa]

Verrucous carcinoma is a distinct variant of differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with low-grade malignancy, slow growth and no metastatic potential. Although it has been reported at extraoral sites, the tumor is mostly found in the oral mucosa. Clinically warty tumours with a grey-white, deeply cleaved surface are detected. The special feature of this tumour type is that it appears macroscopically malignant but histologically benign. The diagnosis of verrucous carcinoma may be difficult, since it is often lumped with verrucous hyperplasia or epidermoid carcinoma. In our study the clinical and histological characteristics of 32 cases of verrucous carcinoma of the oral cavity were investigated. The most common site was the mandibular buccal sulcus. The average age amount to 69 years. Adequate surgical excision is considered the treatment of choice. Because of the lack of metastatic spread a systematic treatment of the regional lymph nodes ist not mandatory. The prognosis of verrucous carcinoma is fairly good.