White, exophytic lesion of the left lateral surface of the tongue.
Verrucous carcinoma is an unusual variant of squamous cell carcinoma; it comprises approximately 5% of all oral malignancies. The buccal mucosa, gingiva, and tongue are the most commonly involved areas within the oral cavity. Histologically, verrucous carcinoma can present a diagnostic dilemma. The basement membrane is often intact, which may cause the pathologist to misinterpret these carcinomas as hyperkeratosis and severe dysplasia. The preferred treatment for this lesion is wide local excision. Regional lymph node dissection is usually not necessary and radiation therapy appears to be contraindicated. Close follow-up is recommended.
D002291:Carcinoma, Papillary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology