Palmar wart with ‘Myrmecia’ inclusions on histopathology – recap of an unusual entity

Abstract

Cutaneous warts are a common skin condition affecting children and young adults and signify infection with human papillomavirus. They are of various types and show association with specific viral genotypes. The aim of this case report is to highlight one such case of deep palmoplantar wart also known as ‘Myrmecia wart’ because of its very peculiar clinical and histopathologic findings. A young male in his mid-20s presented with a warty growth in the index finger of his right hand. Biopsy and subsequent histopathological examination confirmed its categorization as Myrmecia wart. A thorough account of its typical cytopathic effects observed in histopathology as well its differentiating features from other common warts like verruca vulgaris and molluscum contagiosum infection on microscopy is warranted. Further, not so frequent incidence merits detailed review of this entity.