Hybrid verrucous carcinoma of the oral cavity: A challenge for the clinician and the pathologist

Abstract

Verrucous carcinoma (VC) a low-grade variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with specific clinical, morphologic and cytokinetic features is amongst the rarest of all oral cancers. A hybrid VC is a non-verrucous SCC that arises synchronously with the VC. We report a case of a monstrous exophytic tumor in the oral cavity. Histologic examination revealed distinct discrepancy to clinical observation. After review of the literature pathogenesis, histopathology and therapeutic options are discussed. The differential diagnosis of VC remains difficult and requires clinical and pathologic data confrontation. As the malignant behaviour of hybrid VC is confined to the non-VC component, careful examination of these tumors is recommended.