Diagnostic Considerations

If a wart is extremely large and resistant to conventional therapies, consider a diagnosis of verrucous carcinoma. This is a rare, low-grade, well-differentiated carcinoma that usually occurs on the plantar surface. It is slow growing and can become deeply invasive. Reports of metastases exist, although they are rare. A verrucous carcinoma can be misdiagnosed easily as a common wart, since they two share similar clinical and histologic characteristics. Be aware of this entity, and consider a deep incisional biopsy of any lesion that is extensive and not responsive to treatment.

Differential Diagnoses

Workup

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Plantar warts.
Common wart on the hand.

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Author

Philip D Shenefelt, MD, MS Professor, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine; Past Chief, Section of Dermatology, James A Haley Veteran Affairs Medical Center

Philip D Shenefelt, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Florida Medical Association, Noah Worcester Dermatological Society, Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, American Contact Dermatitis Society, American Association for Physician Leadership, American Medical Association, American Society of Clinical Hypnosis

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.

Lester F Libow, MD Dermatopathologist, South Texas Dermatopathology Laboratory

Lester F Libow, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatopathology, Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

William D James, MD Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, Vice-Chairman, Residency Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

William D James, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Elsevier; WebMD<br/>Served as a speaker for various universities, dermatology societies, and dermatology departments.

Additional Contributors

Joshua A Zeichner, MD Assistant Professor, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research, Mount Sinai School of Medicine; Chief of Dermatology, Institute for Family Health at North General

Joshua A Zeichner, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, National Psoriasis Foundation

Disclosure: Received consulting fee from Valeant for consulting; Received grant/research funds from Medicis for other; Received consulting fee from Galderma for consulting; Received consulting fee from Promius for consulting; Received consulting fee from Pharmaderm for consulting; Received consulting fee from Onset for consulting.

Acknowledgements

The authors and editors of Medscape Reference gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous author, Margaret H. Rinker, MD, to the development and writing of this article.

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