Mohs micrographic surgery for verrucous carcinoma of the anogenital area: report of two cases

Int J Dermatol. 2012 Jun;51(6):722-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2011.05339.x.

Abstract

Background: Verrucous carcinoma (VC) of the anogenital area is an uncommon variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Its treatment is not standardized, but surgical excision must be performed if possible. The traditional approach does not distinguish between conventional SCC and VC, despite the extremely low metastatic potential of VC. Accordingly, most patients reported in the literature have been treated with radical surgery, including regional lymphadenectomy.

Methods: We report two cases in order to describe the oncologic, functional, and esthetic results achieved by Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) in the treatment of this disease.

Results: Good functional and esthetic results were achieved in both patients. No local or nodal relapses were detected during the respective 12- and 27-month follow-ups.

Conclusions: Early recognition of VC and the proper evaluation of deep biopsies will avoid misdiagnosis as SCC and may prevent the occurrence of unnecessary disfiguring interventions. The MMS technique may be considered as a surgical approach in genitoanal VC, although further research is required to confirm this.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anus Neoplasms / pathology
  • Anus Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Carcinoma, Verrucous / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Verrucous / surgery*
  • Esthetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mohs Surgery*
  • Perineum / pathology
  • Perineum / surgery*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus / pathology
  • Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus / surgery