Verrucous Carcinoma
Pronunciation: veh-ROO-kus
A low-grade, well-differentiated variant of oral squamous cell carcinoma with an exophytic, warty growth pattern and minimal risk of metastasis.
Full Definition
Verrucous carcinoma (VC) of the oral cavity is a clinically and histologically distinct low-grade variant of squamous cell carcinoma that presents as a slow-growing, white, exophytic, papillary or warty lesion, commonly on the buccal mucosa, gingiva, or alveolar ridge. It is strongly associated with smokeless tobacco use and carries an excellent prognosis because it rarely metastasises. Histologically, the tumour shows a broad, 'pushing' rather than infiltrating front, which distinguishes it from conventional OSCC. Editors must note that 'verrucous' is the correct adjectival form (not 'verrucose') and that the diagnosis must not be shortened to 'verrucous lesion', which is a descriptive rather than diagnostic term.
Usage
Usage note: Do not shorten to 'verrucous lesion'. The correct adjectival form is 'verrucous', not 'verrucose'. Distinguish clearly from proliferative verrucous leukoplakia, which is a premalignant entity.
In Context
- "The biopsy of the right buccal mucosa yielded a diagnosis of verrucous carcinoma with a broad, non-infiltrating tumour front." — Oral pathology biopsy report
- "Writers should use 'verrucous' as the adjectival form, not 'verrucose', when describing this carcinoma variant." — Style guide annotation