Biopsy of a warty, broad-based exophytic laryngeal growth in a 60-year-old male shows markedly keratinised squamous epithelium with pushing margins and minimal atypia. Which statement about this tumour is correct?
- A It is highly radiosensitive and radiotherapy is the treatment of choice
- B It is an extremely well-differentiated variant of squamous cell carcinoma with very low metastatic potential, and surgery is the mainstay of treatment ✓
- C It frequently metastasises to cervical lymph nodes early
- D It is caused by Epstein-Barr virus infection
Correct answer: B. It is an extremely well-differentiated variant of squamous cell carcinoma with very low metastatic potential, and surgery is the mainstay of treatment
Explanation
Verrucous carcinoma of the larynx (Ackerman tumour) is an extremely well-differentiated, slow-growing variant of squamous cell carcinoma with a warty surface, pushing rather than infiltrating borders, and a very low rate of regional or distant metastasis. Wide surgical excision is the mainstay. Radiotherapy is generally avoided because of concern for anaplastic transformation, and its association is with tobacco rather than Epstein-Barr virus.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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