Verrucous hyperplasia of the great toe: a case and a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND

Verrucous hyperplasia is a hyperplastic disease that manifests as coalescent warty papules at stump amputation sites. Often overlooked, it can be confused with verrucous carcinoma. As such, it is of concern for dermatologic surgeons.

OBJECTIVE

To present a patient with verrucous hyperplasia and review its literature.

METHODS

We report a 62-year-old diabetic patient with a verrucous nodule that arose at the amputation site of her first three right toes. Despite repeated surgical removals and skin graftings, the verrucous nodule redeveloped. A biopsy revealed digitate epidermal hyperplasia with dilated tortuous capillaries in thin dermal papilla without invasive features, mitotic figures, or acanthotic downgrowth. Polymerase chain reaction did not detect human papilloma virus.

RESULTS

Verrucous hyperplasia secondary to amputation was diagnosed.

CONCLUSION

Verrucous hyperplasia occurs should not be confused with verrucous carcinoma or warts. Moreover, because it recurs after removal, surgery is not indicated; rather, compression therapy is indicated.