Introduction:
Buschke–Lowenstein tumour (BLT) is a rare verrucous lesion often associated with human papillomavirus infection. It is an indolent but locally aggressive lesion usually arising from the genitalia or anorectum, with a potential risk of recurrence and malignant transformation. The first line of management is surgical or laser excision. Topical agents cryotherapy, radiotherapy and chemo-immunomodulators are reserved for residual or recurrent cases and smaller lesions.
Methods:
A 24-year-old female on antiretroviral therapy presented in our department with a large cauliflower-shaped growth involving the perineum, vulva and lower vagina. A biopsy of the lesion was suggestive of a BLT. Due to the extensive nature of the disease, surgery was deferred. The lesion was treated with definitive external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) using a 6-megavoltage photon beam on a Cobalt-60 unit.
Results:
Radiotherapy resulted in a significant response without any acute toxicity, following which, topical podophyllin application was advised for the residual perianal lesion. The patient is disease free after 9 months of follow-up.
Conclusions:
A multidisciplinary approach is important to treat the BLT. Lesions not amenable to surgery or local therapies can be treated with EBRT with reasonable control and acceptable toxicities.
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