Giant verrucous lesion on the scalp

Verrucous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Scalp: Rare but Exists

“…Although the pathogenesis remains unknown, human papilloma virus infection, trauma, ultraviolet radiation exposure, chronic inflammation or use of tobacco, betel nut or alcohol have been associated with the development of VC. VC of the scalp is a rare condition because of its verrucous appearance and its slow growth, initial misdiagnosis as a wart is common in our patient [3,4,6]. VC normally occurs as solitary, rounded, exophytic, hyperkeratotic, well defined plaque, or nodule, with cauliflower-like growth [3,4].…”

“…Verrucous Carcinoma (VC) is a subset of squamous cell carcinoma. It is characterized by slow growth and a tendency towards local recurrence without distant metastases [3]. However, the tumor may be locally invasive with deep involvement of surrounding structures [4].…”

“…It is rarely seen on other areas of the skin [4,5]. The commonest extra plantar locations are the sacral and buttock regions [3]. Cutaneous VC is more common in elderly men.…”

“…Other treatment modalities include immunotherapy, laser surgery, cryosurgery, electrodessications and curettage, retinoid therapy, chemotherapy (typically intralesional) and radiotherapy. Radiotherapy has also been effectively used despite reports of anaplastic transformation [3,4,8].…”