Oral hybrid verrucous carcinoma: A challenging entity to clinicians

Abstract

Background: Oral Verrucous Carcinoma (OVC) is defined as a verrucous variant of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) characterized by a predominantly exophytic growth of well-differentiated keratinized epithelium, with deep margins of locally aggressive invasion. The incidence of OVC is approximately 3% of all oral cancers. Its pathogenesis include chemical carcinogenesis induced by tobacco smoke, alcohol consumption, betel nut chewing and chronic inflammation. OVC occurs predominantly in people of advanced age and in males. The most common sites of involvement of the oral mucosa include the cheek mucosa, followed by the gum and tongue.