Lip Verrucous Tumor in a Male With Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease

TL;DR

A rare benign tumor called verruciform xanthoma on the lip of a patient with chronic graft-versus-host disease is reported and discussed.

Contribution

The paper highlights the importance of considering VX in cGVHD patients to avoid unnecessary surgery.

Findings

VX on the lip is rare and can resemble malignant tumors like verrucous carcinoma.

Diagnosis of VX in cGVHD patients can prevent excessive excision.

A case of VX on the lower lip was confirmed by skin biopsy and treated with total excision.

Abstract

Verruciform xanthoma (VX) is a rare benign tumor that usually occurs in the oral area or the urogenital region. Although VX sometimes arises in the oral space, VX on the lip is rare. The ratio of oral VX in chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) patients might be higher than that of the general population, and the frequency of lip cases may also be higher in cGVHD patients. In some cases, VX mimics malignant tumors such as verrucous carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. It is important to distinguish VX from malignant tumors to prevent excessive excision. Our case is a VX on the lower lip of a cGVHD patient. It was diagnosed by skin biopsy and treated by total excision. When we find a verrucous or papillary tumor, especially in a cGVHD patient, VX should be a candidate for diagnosis, as well as verruca vulgaris or verrucous carcinoma, to prevent unnecessary extensive excision.

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