Like other oral cancers, the symptoms of oral verrucous carcinoma may be difficult to see. Regular dental checkups can help detect the signs of cancer early.

Verrucous carcinoma is a rare form of squamous cell cancer. This cancer is sometimes called Ackerman tumor, and it most often forms in your mouth. When it does, it’s called oral verrucous carcinoma. Although this form of cancer is rare, it’s treatable.

Surgery is a common treatment for oral verrucous carcinoma. Sometimes, it’s the only treatment necessary to cure the cancer. However, treatments, such as radiation, chemotherapy, and cryotherapy, are‌ also options. These might be necessary if oral verrucous carcinoma spreads or returns after surgery.

Oral verrucous carcinoma is an oral cancer that occurs when squamous cells that line your mouth grow atypically. Sometimes, this results from an injury or irritation to this lining.

Other risk factors include:

Healthcare professionals often diagnose oral verrucous carcinoma in males between 49 and 70 years old. Additionally, researchers believe there might be a link between oral verrucous carcinoma and certain genetic conditions. They haven’t found the exact genetic links yet.

Is verrucous carcinoma cancerous or noncancerous?

Verrucous carcinoma is cancerous. It’s a type of cancer that can spread deep inside the oral cavity without treatment. But it’s often treatable.

Oral verrucous carcinoma doesn’t always cause symptoms when it develops. It can grow slowly, so it might take a long time before symptoms appear. When symptoms occur, they include:

Checking for the subtle signs of cancer is another great reason to contact the dentist regularly.

You may have a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of oral verrucous carcinoma. A doctor can remove a piece of the tumor to check it for cancer cells under a microscope. If your doctor believes your cancer has spread, you might also have imaging tests or blood work.

Once you receive a diagnosis, healthcare professionals can treat oral verrucous carcinoma like many oral cancers. The first step in treatment is often surgery to remove the tumor. This may cure oral verrucous carcinoma. When cancer spreads, you might need additional treatment.

This can include:

  • Radiation: Radiation destroys cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is another treatment that can kill cancer cells.
  • Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy helps your immune system fight against cancer cells.
  • Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is an approach that marks cancer calls so that your body can find and destroy them.
  • Laser therapy: Laser therapy is sometimes used to destroy tumors and kill cancer cells.
  • Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy can sometimes be an option for tumors that can’t be removed surgically.

These treatments can also be options when cancer returns after surgery. Your doctor will talk with you about your options if your cancer returns after removing it with surgery.

Oral verrucous carcinoma is treatable. The cancer spreads slowly, and removing the tumor with surgery can often provide a cure. As is true for many cancers, early detection can improve the odds of a positive outcome.

Applying general survival rates to your specific oral verrucous carcinoma diagnosis may not be helpful. It’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about their recommended treatment and the results they expect. They can help you understand your outlook and the potential treatment outcome.

You can also contact the Oral Cancer Foundation for more information on the latest research and support groups.

Oral verrucous carcinoma is a rare squamous cell cancer that develops in your mouth lining. The cancer is slow-growing and often treatable.

Surgery to remove the tumor is the most common treatment and may be the only one necessary in some instances. When additional treatments are necessary, they can include radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, cryotherapy, and laser therapy.