Giant anogenital tumor of Buschke-Löwenstein in a patient living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: a case report

Clinicopathological Findings and Comprehensive Review of Buschke-Lowenstein Tumors Based on a Case Study

The Buschke-Löwenstein tumor (BLT), also known as giant condyloma acuminatum, is a rare, exophytic tumor, arising from pre-existing warty lesions associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly strains 6 and 11, which are considered to have low oncogenic potential. BLT presents as a large, cauliflower-like growth typically affecting the penis, vulva, vagina, perineum, scrotum, anus, and perianal area. Despite being a benign lesion, BLT is locally aggressive with a high recurrence rate, and can potentially undergo malignant transformation into squamous cell carcinoma, contributing to an overall mortality rate of 20-30%. The primary treatment is complete surgical excision with wide margins, frequently requiring complex reconstructive techniques for defect coverage. We report on a 68-year-old patient, with multiple comorbidities, who presented with a two-year history of a large exophytic tumor in the genital region, affecting the penis, along with progressive erectile dysfunction and urinary problems. The tumor was surgically excised with oncological safety margins, and reconstruction was performed using advancement and rotation flaps from the scrotum and intact penile skin. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of Giant Condyloma (Buschke-Löwenstein tumor), showing acanthosis, papillomatosis, parakeratosis, and koilocytic cell collections, with positive immunohistochemical staining for p16, p63, and ki67. Postoperatively, the patient had a good clinical outcome and a complete surgical cure. This case highlights the critical need for timely intervention and comprehensive management strategies in treating giant condyloma, given its potential for local invasion and substantial impacts on patient quality of life. Early diagnosis and thorough surgical excision are crucial for effective management and to reduce the high recurrence, morbidity and malignant transformation risk associated with this condition.

Penile Buschke-Lowenstein tumor in HCV patient

Buschke-Löwenstein tumor (BLT), also called giant condyloma acuminatum is a rare clinical manifestation caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), usually type 6 or 11 (90 %). The BLT is described as a tumor with localized aggressiveness, rather slow but destructive and invasive growth of surrounding tissues, benign histology, low metastatic potential, and a high tendency of recurrence. We present the case of a 55-year old non-immunocompetent man, with beige, cauliflower-like papillomae presented on glans penis and coronal sulcus which increased in size for a few weeks. The lesions were surgically removed, while maintaining negative surgical margins and good cosmetic outcomes.