Head and Neck Verrucous Carcinoma: A European Multicenter Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Head and Neck Surgery
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Head and neck verrucous carcinomas (HNVC) are a distinct subtype of squamous cell carcinoma.
• Understanding oncological and treatment outcomes is crucial for HNVC patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the oncological outcomes of head and neck verrucous carcinomas (HNVC).
• To explore treatment-associated outcomes and prognostic factors in HNVC patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records for 106 HNVC patients diagnosed between 1994 and 2024.
• Analysis included clinical history, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, and patient outcomes.
• Cox regression was used to identify factors influencing recurrence risk.

Main Results:

• Surgery was performed in 101 out of 106 patients, with 5-year overall survival at 82.2% and recurrence-free survival at 85.3%.
• Age ≥ 65 years significantly increased recurrence risk (HR=5.989), while tobacco consumption decreased it (HR=0.309).
• Clinical T stage and extent of surgical resection (local, partial, or total organ resection) impacted recurrence rates, with wider resections showing lower risk.

Conclusions:

• HNVC exhibits favorable 5-year survival rates, with surgery being the predominant treatment modality.
• Achieving clear margins through wider surgical resections is critical for durable local control and reduced recurrence.
• Prognostic factors such as age and tobacco use influence recurrence risk in HNVC.