Verrucous Carcinoma — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: E — A well-differentiated exophytic squamous tumour with broad pushing rete ridges and very low metastatic potential
Pure oral verrucous carcinoma is a well-differentiated, low-grade variant of squamous cell carcinoma. It typically forms a slowly growing exophytic or warty mass composed of broad, bulbous epithelial processes that advance with a pushing rather than a sharply infiltrative margin. It can be locally destructive, but nodal and distant metastases are exceptionally uncommon. Option C describes aggressive conventional squamous cell carcinoma. Option D describes spindle cell carcinoma, which has malignant spindle and epithelial components. Prominent perineural invasion is not the defining pattern of verrucous carcinoma, excluding D. Delicate fibrovascular cores favour a papillary lesion rather than the broad pushing architecture of verrucous carcinoma, excluding E.
Reference: Kristofelc N, Zidar N, Strojan P. Oral verrucous carcinoma: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Radiology and Oncology. 2023;57(1):1-11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36942907/