Treatment of verrucous carcinoma with imiquimod and CO2 laser ablation

Fine scalpel surgery: preserving the dartos muscle in a patient with scrotal and perigenital giant Buschke-Löwenstein tumors

Giant condyloma acuminatum (GCA), alternatively referred to as a Buschke-Löwenstein tumor (BLT), is an uncommon, benign, but locally aggressive form of verrucous carcinoma. The condition usually affects the male population under the age of 50 years; however, there have been rare reports of pediatric cases. Various risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, promiscuous behavior, poor hygiene, immunosuppression, and others are linked to the development of this condition. We present the case of a 26-year-old male patient who came to the dermatology department with primary complaints of 10-year-old verrucous tumor formations located in the perigenital and perianal areas. Serological tests for AIDS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Chlamydia trachomatis, and syphilis were negative. The routine blood tests were slightly abnormal. Histological verification of condylomata acuminata of Buschke-Löwenstein was made. Given the sensitive areas, surgery was advised. With several fine undermining scalpel excisions, the lesions in the scrotal and perigenital areas were removed and the dartos muscle was preserved. Electrodissection and shave curettage were not performed. The postoperative period passed without complications and no recurrences in the perigenital area were reported. We believe that our case report represents the first documented surgical approach for scrotal Buschke-Löwenstein tumor using exclusively fine undermining scalpel surgery. A brief literature review of the condition is presented, focusing on the currently available treatment options and highlighting the potential effectiveness of the surgical approach.

Radiation Therapy in the Management of Extensive Giant Condyloma Acuminata With Rectal Involvement: A Case Report

Giant condyloma acuminata (GCA) is a rare, locally aggressive manifestation of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, typically affecting the anorectal area. Patients with GCA often have a poor prognosis due to the high risk of malignant transformation. In this case report, we present a 39-year-old man with HIV who developed progressive and refractory anorectal GCA. Despite initially non-cancerous pathology results, there were concerns regarding a malignant component to the mass. Multidisciplinary discussions led to the decision to pursue definitive radiation therapy. This case report and review of the literature highlight the role of radiation in the management of GCA and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of complex cases.

Cutaneous Verrucous Carcinomas: A Review

Verrucous carcinoma (VC) is a relatively rare locally aggressive, slow-growing, well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with minimal metastatic potential and is most frequent in the mucosa. Although rarely reported on the skin, cutaneous verrucous carcinomas (CVC) can appear anywhere, most commonly on the feet. However, clinical and pathologic diagnosis of CVC has been confusing and challenging. It can easily be mistaken for benign or more malignant conditions such as giant condyloma acuminata, keratoacanthoma, and pseudoepithelioma-like hyperplasia or squamous cell carcinoma, resulting in inappropriate management. In this review, we describe the different aspects associated with CVC, including its pathogenesis and clinicopathologic features. The available evidence for the differential diagnosis and treatment of CVC is discussed, and specific management recommendations are made. After the treatment, careful follow-up examinations of the excised area should be performed at regular intervals.

Comparison of Conservative Treatment of Cervical Intraepithelial Lesions with Imiquimod with Standard Excisional Technique Using LLETZ: A Randomized Controlled Trial

(1) Background: There are limited data on the success of conservative treatment of high-grade cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) with imiquimod directly compared to standard of treatment with LLETZ. (2) Methods: Patients aged 18-40 with histological HSIL (with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, CIN2p16+ and CIN3), were randomly assigned to treatment with imiquimod or LLETZ. The primary outcome was defined as the absence of HSIL after either treatment modality. The secondary outcomes were the occurrence of side effects. (3) Results: 52 patients were allocated in each group and were similar regarding baseline characteristics. In the imiquimod group, 82.7% of patients completed treatment, which was successful in 51.9%. All patients in the LLETZ group completed treatment, which was successful in 92.3% (p < 0.001). In the subgroup of CIN2p16+ patients, treatment with imiquimod was not inferior to LLETZ (73.9% vs. 84.2%, p = 0.477). During and after treatment, no cases of progression to cancer were observed. Side effects and severe side effects (local and systemic) were more prevalent in the imiquimod than in the LLETZ group (88.5% vs. 44.2% (p-value < 0.001) and 51.9% vs. 13.5% (p-value < 0.001), respectively). (4) Conclusion: Generally, in patients with HSIL, LLETZ remains the gold standard of treatment. However, in a subgroup analysis of patients with CIN2p16+, the success rate was comparable between the two treatment modalities. Due to the prevalence of side effects, the treatment compliance with imiquimod use may, however, present a clinically important issue.

Progression of a Buschke-Lowenstein tumor into invasive squamous cell carcinoma

Buschke-Lowenstein tumors primarily are slow-growing giant condylomata accuminata of the anogenital region. They are locally destructive with a low rate of metastasis. Sexually transmitted oncogenic human papillomavirus type 6 and 11 are the greatest risk factors for Buschke-Lowenstein tumors or verrucous carcinomas, a type of squamous cell cancer. Grossly, the tumor appears as a large fungating, erythematous, cauliflower-like mass. Radical surgical excision of the tumor is the treatment of choice and close follow-up for recurrence is essential. The use of radiation or chemotherapy as adjunct treatments is controversial. This case report describes a patient with this rare condition.

Clinicopathologic features of Buschke-Löwenstein tumor: a multi-institutional analysis of 38 cases

Buschke-Löwenstein tumor (BLT) is a rare sexually transmitted disease, mostly described in clinical literature as case reports or small series. Here, we investigated the clinicopathologic features of BLT in a total of 38 cases retrieved from multiple academic institutions. The average age was 47.6 ± 12.8 (mean ± SD) years old at diagnosis. The male to female ratio was 4.4:1. Common presenting symptoms were pain/discomfort, bleeding, mass lesion, and discharge. It was frequently linked to smoking and positive human immunodeficiency virus status. The tumor size and thickness were 8.5 ± 6.6 cm and 1.5 ± 1.3 cm, respectively. Histologically, 19 (50%) cases had an invasive squamous cell carcinoma component and were associated with high-risk human papillomavirus infection. There was no lymphovascular or perineural invasion, or nodal metastasis at initial diagnosis. BLTs with invasion had higher frequency of dyskeratosis, neutrophilic microabscesses, and abnormal mitoses, but lower frequency of pushing border compared with BLTs without invasion. All patients underwent wide excision, and some also received chemoradiation therapy. After a median follow-up of 23 months (range 1-207), the recurrence rate was 23.7% and disease-specific mortality was 2.6%. In summary, we presented the largest case series of BLT to date to characterize its unique clinicopathologic features. Our study indicated that certain histologic features such as dyskeratosis, neutrophilic microabscess, and abnormal mitosis in the non-invasive portion may be important clues on lesional biopsy to predict the presence of underlying invasive carcinoma.

Acral Verrucous Carcinoma

Introduction. The verrucous carcinoma is a type of squamous carcinoma that is highly differentiated, relatively uncommon, locally aggressive, with slow growth and minimal metastatic potential. Clinical case. A 48-year old man was admitted to the Dermatology department of the Craiova Hospital for a round-oval tumoral mass that was hyperkeratotic, with central ulceration, covered by a hematic crust, approximately 1.5cm in size, localized at the distal phalanx of the third finger left hand, with perilesional edema and erythema. The wart-like lesion appeared 8 months beforehand, which the patient has traumatized repeatedly in the last 2 months. The histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of verrucous carcinoma. The X-ray examination revealed external margin osteolysis of the distal epiphysis in the third finger, left hand. The patient was transfered to the Plastic surgery department where the distal phalanx of the third finger, left hand was amputated. Discussions. Risk factors for the development of verrucous carcinoma are HPV infection, carcinogenic chemicals, smoking, chronic inflammation, repeated trauma, etc. Diagnosis is suspected by clinical appearance and confirmed histopathologically. The treatment of choice is surgical excision due to the high risk of recurrence and local invasiveness, and in the case of an advanced tumor with acral localization, amputation is preferred, as is our case. Conclusions. Verrucous carcinoma is a type of squamous carcinoma that is highly differentiated, with slow and continuous invasion of the underlying tissues. In order to establish the diagnosis of verrucous carcinoma, it is necessary to corroborate the clinical examination with histopathological and evolutionary examinations. The treatment of choice is surgical excision, but given the increased risk of recurrence, the patient should be evaluated periodically until complete healing. Our case is interesting by localization and rapid evolution with the invasion of the underlying tissues.

[Buschke-Lowenstein tumors]

BACKGROUND

A giant condyloma acuminatum which shows destructive growth but lacking invasion is designated as a Buschke-Lowenstein tumor (BLT).

OBJECTIVES

Classification of the BLT and therapeutic guidelines are provided.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A MEDLINE literature search from 2006-2016 was performed.

RESULTS

Induction through low-risk mucosotropic human papillomavirus (HPV) infection separates BLT from verrucous carcinoma. In the last 10 years, slightly more than 100 new cases have been described. Invasion as a true sign of malignancy was described in 12% of cases. HIV infection was observed in 14%. As invasion often occurs only focally and may only be detected after complete resection, BLT must be treated and considered as a low grade in situ epithelial cancer that evolves from condylomata acuminata. Diagnosis is confirmed by HPV detection and typical histology. CT scans are recommended to rule out deeper invasion. Organ preservation surgery remains the recommended therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Buschke-Lowenstein tumors represent low grade epithelial in situ carcinomas which evolved from condylomata acuminata. Focal invasion is frequent but metastases occur only rarely. Organ preservation surgery is recommended.

Verrucous Carcinoma - Observations on 4 Cases

Verrucous carcinoma (VC) is a rare well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with the clinical forms: oral florid papillomatosis, epithelioma cuniculatum, papilomatosis cutis and Buschke-Löwenstein tumor. We present four patients and the four clinical forms of CV. The diagnosis we held after clinical examination and histopathological examination of the balance sheet expansion. First described by Ackermanin the oral mucosal, today it has a reported incidence of 1-3 cases per million inhabitants. CV can involve both skin and mucous membranes. Etiopathogenesis is uncertain, but participation HPV is widely accepted. WHO recognizes the CV as a rare form of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with slow and continues evolution, with the invasion of underlying tissues, frequent relapses and very low risk of metastasis. The elective therapy is surgical excision with safety oncological margins. Diagnosis involves corroboration of clinical data with histopathological appearance and evolutive behavior of the tumor. Given the increased risk for recurrence, the patient should be reviewed quarterly to finding healing.

Successful Surgical Management of Giant Condyloma Acuminatum (Buschke Lowenstein Tumor) in the Urethra of a Female Patient: A Case Report

The Buschke-Lowenstein tumor (BLT) is a slow-growing, locally destructive verrucous plaque that typically appears on the penis but may occur elsewhere in the anogenital region. It most commonly is considered to be a regional variant of verrucous carcinoma. It is rare but accounts for 5-24% of all penile cancers. It can also affect the perineum and other portions of the genitalia. It was first described by Buschke and Löwenstein in 1925, and is also known as giant condyloma acuminatum (GCA). Regardless of the treatment modality, careful follow-up is recommended because of the high risk of recurrence and the possibility for malignant transformation in 30-56% of patients. We present a case of a 47-year-old Hispanic female that presented to the urology clinic for dysuria and upon work-up was found to have a GCA. GCA typically affects the penis, although the perianal region, vulva, vagina, rectum, scrotum, perineum and bladder may be involved. To date, we believe this is the only reported case of GCA in the urethra of a female patient with sparing of the bladder. This lesion was successfully removed with wide local excision. We believe that further studies are needed to define this disease, identify its pathogenesis, and the most successful treatment protocol.

Giant condylomata acuminata of Buschke and Lowenstein: A peristomal variant

INTRODUCTION

Giant condylomata acuminata (GCA) is a rare, locally invasive tumour that may undergo malignant transformation. It was first described a HPV-induced penile tumour which clinically resembled both a squamous cell carcinoma and condyloma acuminatum, often arising from a pre-existing warty lesion. We describe a case of peri-stomal GCA transformation into invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which is, to our knowledge, the first report of this in the literature.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 74 year old gentleman developed an acuminate, papillomatous peristomal eruption around a fifty year old ileostomy, with biopsies of the eruption showing reactive changes. Two years later, he developed ulcerating plaques affecting the previously papillomatous areas and an erythematous nodular lesion involving the superior part of the ileostomy and adjacent skin. Histological examination of the ileostomy lesion showed focal small islands of atypical squamous epithelium, and moderately differentiated invasive squamous cell carcinoma was shown in the excised tissue subsequently. Human papillomavirus (HPV type 16), p16 and p53 tumour suppressors were positive in the peri-stomal skin sample.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Recurring, changing papillomatous lesions in the peristomal area should be reviewed with a high index of suspicion in relation to GCA tumours as they can progress to invasive squamous cell carcinomas.

Human papillomavirus-related verrucous carcinoma in a renal transplant patient after long-term immunosuppression: a case report

BACKGROUND

Verrucous carcinoma is a slow-growing tumor with 3 main localizations: Oral cavity, ano-urogenital region, and plantar surface of the foot. On the sole it may rise adjacent to viral warts and very often is mistaken for the common verruca plantaris. Although both conditions-viral warts and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma-are often diagnosed in immunosuppressed patients, in literature we have found only 3 case reports of verrucous carcinoma in organ transplant recipients.

CASE REPORT

We present a case of 26-year-old man after deceased donor renal transplantation with plantar verrucous carcinoma successfully treated with excision and 5% imiquimod.

Management of peri-anal giant condyloma acuminatum--a case report and literature review

Giant condyloma acuminatum (GCA), originally described by Buschke and Loewenstein in 1925 as a lesion of the penis, is more rarely seen in the anorectum and is characterized by clinical malignancy in the face of histologic benignity; however, malignant transformation to frankly invasive squamous-cell carcinoma has been described in about one-third of patients. In addition, malignant transformation has been reported in patients with "ordinary" condylomata acuminata. Human papillomavirus, known to cause condylomata acuminata, is also known to induce these tumors and was found in 96% of 63 cases reviewed in the last 10 years. These lesions have a propensity for recurrence and a likelihood of malignant transformation, and lead to significant mortality. Therefore, early and radical R0 excision, along with vigilant follow-up, provides the hope for cure. Conservative and/or multimodal therapy has been reported in a few cases, but its effect is not yet proved. The authors report one case of GCA; in addition, they reviewed the literature over the last 10 years and compared with previous reviews.

Highlights of thirty-year experience of CO2 laser use at the Florence (Italy) department of dermatology

The CO₂ laser has been used extensively in dermatological surgery over the past 30 years and is now recognised as the gold standard for soft tissue vaporization. Considering that the continuous wave CO₂ laser delivery system and the newer “superpulsed” and scanned CO₂ systems have progressively changed our practice and patient satisfaction, a long range documentation can be useful. Our experience has demonstrated that the use of CO₂ laser involves a reduced healing time, an infrequent need for anaesthesia, reduced thermal damage, less bleeding, less inflammation, the possibility of intra-operative histologic and/or cytologic examination, and easy access to anatomically difficult areas. Immediate side effects have been pain, erythema, edema, typically see with older methods, using higher power. The percentage of after-treatment keloids and hypertrophic scars observed was very low (~1%) especially upon the usage of lower parameters. The recurrence of viral lesions (condylomas and warts) have been not more frequent than those due to other techniques. Tumor recurrence is minor compared with radiotherapy or surgery. This method is a valid alternative to surgery and/or diathermocoagulation for microsurgery of soft tissues. Our results are at times not consistent with those published in the literature, stressing the concept that multicentric studies that harmonization methodology and the patient selection are vital.

Buschke-Lowenstein tumor

BACKGROUND

Verrucous carcinoma of the skin and mucosa is an uncommon type of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. When it is present in the genitoanal region the term used is Buschke-Lowenstein tumor. The human papillomavirus seems to be implicated in its aetiology. Treatment is controversial. Topical chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and radical surgery have been employed.

MAIN OBSERVATIONS

We report a rapidly progressing penile verrucous carcinoma which was treated sucessfuly with conservative surgery and CO2 laser.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with CO2 laser in combination with conservative surgery may be a therapeutic option in Buschke-Lowenstein tumor.

Treatment of verrucous carcinoma of the lower lip with topical imiquimod (aldara®) and debulking therapy

Verrucous carcinoma is an unusual, non-metastasizing, distinct variant of squamous cell carcinoma composed of four subtypes according to the site of occurrence: oral type, anogenital type, plantar type, and other cutaneous sites. Oral type verrucous carcinoma usually shows slow progression with a low incidence of metastases. Treatment of verrcous carcinoma is challenging; multiple medical and surgical therapies are often attempted, with limited success. We reported on 2 cases of verrucous carcinoma of the lip treated with topical imiquimod and debulking therapy.

Giant condyloma acuminatum of Buschke and Lowenstein: successful surgical treatment

The Buschke-Löwenstein tumour is an extremely rare, slow-growing, locally destructive, cauliflower-like mass, also known as giant condyloma acuminatum. We report a case of a 42-year-old man who presented to the department of surgery with a two-year history of a perineal tumour. The mass was painless initially but had become painful more recently. After histopathological confirmation, the tumour was removed surgically, as it was resistant to medical treatment. There has been considerable debate regarding the exact nature, aetiology and treatment of these lesions.

Successful treatment of a large Buschke–Lowenstein tumour with chemo-radiotherapy

We report the case of a patient with a large Buschke–Lowenstein tumour which had previously recurred following local excision. A preferred treatment modality for this rare variant of human papillomavirus has not been clearly defined. Treatment with chemo-radiotherapy in this case resulted in complete resolution of the disease without the need for further surgical intervention.

Photodynamic therapy for cutaneous verrucous carcinoma

Cutaneous verrucous carcinoma is a low-grade and well-differentiated variant of squamous cell carcinoma. This rare neoplasm follows a seemingly indolent progression and exhibits a low metastatic potential. Photodynamic therapy relies on the selective intratumoral cell accumulation and photoactivation of a photosensitizer, leading to the generation of phototoxic compounds responsible for necrosis and apoptosis of the target cells. An 82-year-old man presenting with a large long-standing verrucous carcinoma on the leg was treated successfully by 6 photodynamic therapy sessions administered at weekly intervals using methyl-aminolevulinate and 57-J/cm(2) irradiations at 634-nm wavelength. The use of methyl-aminolevulinate-photodynamic therapy for treating cutaneous verrucous carcinoma had not been reported so far. It may represent a convenient therapeutic alternative in this setting.

[Buschke-Löwenstein tumour: diagnosis and treatment]

Buschke-Löwenstein tumour is classified as a verrucous carcinoma. It presents like an exophytic tumour of the genital or peri-anal area, with ulceration and sometimes fistulae and sinuses. It is preferentially seen in men and immunocompromised patients. Histological appearance is not far from condyloma acuminata, but with a tendency to compress and displace deeper tissues, without basement membrane disruption. HPV types 6 or 11 are regularly found in association with this tumour. Other STI have to be searched. Physical examination and precise imagery are useful to chose the right treatment regimen. Radical excision is recommended to avoid malignant transformation, but has to be large because of the high number of recurrences. Other treatment modalities such as chemotherapy or imiquimod could be of interest to avoid mutilating surgical interventions. A regular follow-up is necessary because of frequent recurrences and possible malignant transformation.

Radical Excision and Mesh-Skin Grafting for Giant Anorectal Condyloma Acuminatum

BACKGROUND Giant Condyloma Acuminatum (GCA) presents difficulties in therapeutic management, mainly due to local invasion and recurrences. Treatment measures vary from topical agents to aggressive methods such as surgical excision, radiation, laser surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or their combination. METHOD A 48-year-old heterosexual, HIV-negative male with a 20 year-year history of GCA, following an unsuccessful surgical operation, underwent radical excision with immediate mesh-skin grafting. CONCLUSION The absence of relapse and the excellent cosmetic results obtained one and a half years post-operative may put this treatment option in the first line of treatment choices for GCA

Topical Immunotherapy: What's New

Further understanding of the pathogenesis of dermatologic conditions at a molecular level has led to targeted therapies. The topical immune response modifiers have contributed significantly to the treatment of cutaneous diseases. New topical remedies, particularly the Toll-like receptor agonists and calcineurin inhibitors, have added to the clinical armamentarium and have further advanced clinicians' ability to treat a wide variety of benign, premalignant, and malignant conditions. Furthermore, these agents have contributed to the understanding of the disease process. The next decade will witness even greater advances in targeted immunotherapies for dermatologic disease.

Tumeur de Buschke- Lowenstein à localisation anorectale

Buschke-Lowenstein tumor or giant condyloma acuminata is characterized by a proliferation locally aggressive with extensive tissue destruction. We report three cases of Buschke-Lowenstein tumor with anorectal localization. The histology is characterized by papillomatosis and endo or exophytic acanthosis secondary to papillomavirus. The variety of treatment regimens applied do not allow formulation of definitive therapeutic guidelines.

Detection of Human Papillomavirus Type 58 in Polydactylous Bowen’s Disease on the Fingers and Toes of a Woman – Concurrent Occurrence of Invasive Vulval and Cervical Carcinomas

The group related to human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 (HPV-16, -31, -33, -35, -52, -58 and -67) is dominantly identified in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical carcinomas. HPV-16 has also been frequently detected in Bowen's disease on the hands and feet. We describe herein a case of polydactylous Bowen's disease on the fingers and toes of a woman who had had radical vulvectomy and hysterectomy for concomitant invasive vulval and cervical carcinomas. All the lesions, except for the lesions on the periungual side of her left index, middle and ring fingers, harbored HPV-58 DNA with more than 100 entire viral genome copies per cell detected by Southern blot hybridization. The histological localization of the viral DNA was confirmed in all the lesions by in situ hybridization. We could also retrospectively demonstrate HPV-58 DNA in her invasive vulval and cervical carcinoma tissues.

Verrucous carcinoma of the skin: long-term follow-up results following surgical therapy

BACKGROUND

Owing to the benign appearance and slow growth of verrucous carcinoma of the skin, its diagnosis and therapeutic management still pose problems.

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to point out clinical and histopathologic features of verrucous carcinoma of the skin and to provide diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines on the basis of the long-term results from 20 patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study of the long-term results of 20 patients treated surgically for verrucous carcinoma of the skin is presented. In 16 cases, a wide resection with histopathologic examination of the margins was possible. Two tumors were shaved; 1 case required below-knee amputation and 1 patient refused primary amputation. In April 1999, 9 of the 10 surviving patients underwent physical examination, ultrasonography of the regional lymph nodes and the abdomen, and chest X-ray. The protocols of autopsies or postmortem examinations of the deceased patients were consulted.

RESULTS

The deceased patients achieved an average tumor-free survival period of 86.1 months; eight of the surviving patients had an average tumor-free follow-up of 127.4 months. Two patients suffered recurrences.

CONCLUSION

Curative treatment can be achieved by timely and complete resection of verrucous carcinoma of the skin, even in advanced cases.