Imaging Sci Dent.  2018 Dec;48(4):233-244. 10.5624/isd.2018.48.4.233.

Oral carcinoma cuniculatum, an unacquainted variant of oral squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review

• Farag AF
• Abou-Alnour DA
• Abu-Taleb

• KMID: 2450163
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.2018.48.4.233

Abstract

PURPOSE
Oral carcinoma cuniculatum is a rare well-differentiated variant of oral squamous cell carcinoma. The purpose was to systematically review its unique features to differentiate it from other variants as verrucous carcinoma, papillary squamous cell carcinoma and well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review was performed using MEDLINE, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source and PubMed databases and any existing articles related to the research subject missed in the search strategy to screen ones reporting cases occurring exclusively in the oral cavity in English literature. Variables analyzed included clinical, etiologic, imaging, histopatholgical features, treatment, follow-up and survival rates.
RESULTS
From 229 hits, 17 articles with 43 cases were included in the systematic review. Clinically it showed a female predilection with pain and/or ulceration of a relatively long duration and exudation being the most common symptoms. Histologically, it showed more endophytic features comprising well-differentiated squamous epithelium with absent or minimal cytological atypia and multiple keratin filled crypts or cuniculus. Inflammatory stromal reaction and discharging abscesses were reported in most of the cases. Bone destruction was predominant in most imaging features. Complete surgical resection with a safety margin was the treatment of choice in most of the cases with few recorded recurrence cases.
CONCLUSION
Apprehensive knowledge of oral carcinoma cuniculatum unique features is essential to avoid its misdiagnosis and provide proper treatment especially for recurrent cases.

Keyword

Mouth; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Carcinoma, Verrucous

MeSH Terms

Abscess
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell*
Carcinoma, Verrucous
Cuniculidae
Dentistry
Diagnostic Errors
Epithelial Cells*
Epithelium
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Mouth
Recurrence
Research Subjects
Survival Rate
Ulcer

Figure

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  Fig. 1 CARE statement and checklist, 2013.

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  Fig. 2 PRISMA flowchart of studies included and excluded in each steps.

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