Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 21, 2025

Author Spotlight: Anterior HR-OCT as a Non-Invasive Tool for Characterizing Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia
Published on: August 9, 2024
Oral verrucous carcinoma manifesting as proliferative verrucous leukoplakia
Carla Isabelly Rodrigues-Fernandes1, Lady Paola Aristizabal Arboleda1, Pablo Agustin Vargas2
1Department of Oral Diagnosis, Semiology and Pathology Areas, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract:
This report aimed to describe an uncommon case of verrucous carcinoma of the oral cavity with a unique presentation of proliferative verrucous leucoplakia. An 82-year-old female presented multiple white plaques in the oral cavity, which have been treated as candidiasis without resolution. The biopsy specimen demonstrated a well-defined squamous cell epithelium with verrucous aspects. No cellular or nuclear pleomorphism was observed. The final diagnosis was verrucous carcinoma, and the patient was referred for oncologic treatment. Although unusual, proliferative verrucous leukoplakia may mimic verrucous carcinoma and may even represent a transitional stage of this malignancy. Verrucous carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of multiple leucoplakias, especially in elderly patients.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
Abnormal Proliferation
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen...
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

