Verrucous carcinoma of the female genital tract

Verrucous carcinoma is a variant of epidermoid carcinoma with distinctive clinical and pathologic features. It is a warty, fungating tumor that gradually increases in size and pushes into rather than invades contiguous structures. The diagnosis is often difficult. Originally, verrucous lesions in the mouth and pharnyx were described. Subsequently, similar lesions in the female genital tract have been encountered. To date, 22 verrucous carcinomas involving the cervix, vagina, or vulva have been reported in the literature. A survey of the members of The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists has added another 10 to the total number of cases. The clinical features, histologic findings, and therapy are discussed.