Verrucous Carcinoma of Tongue in Xeroderma Pigmentosum: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by intense skin photosensitivity that is often associated with corneal ulceration, erythema, malignant lesions in sun-exposed areas, and neurological damage in severe cases. XP is due to alterations in the nucleotide excision repair system which could eliminate DNA fragments damaged by ultraviolet radiation. We report a case of a 14-year-old admitted for photophobia and a conjunctival mass. He underwent laboratory tests, including a complete blood count (CBC), which was unremarkable, and serological tests such as rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test were negative. A consultation in Ophthalmology was requested, concluding in bilateral corneal dystrophy. A few months later he developed two masses, one on the distal border of the tongue and the other at the level of the parotid region. He underwent two excisional biopsies; the parotid mass revealed an ulcerated squamous cell carcinoma on a background of xeroderma pigmentosum, and the tongue tip mass revealed a well-differentiated infiltrating verrucous carcinoma with a smooth margin. Xeroderma pigmentosum is a rare genodermatosis affecting the skin, eyes and oral cavity. It is sometimes associated with cancers of internal organs and rarely of the tongue. This study reports a case of XP associated with verrucous carcinoma of the tongue and ocular complications. Currently, there is no curative treatment for XP, and the only treatments available are symptomatic and preventive.
Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
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