Podophyllotoxin Cytological Effects on the Epidermis in Condyloma Acuminatum.

Abstract

ABSTRACT:

Podophyllotoxin (PPT) is used to treat condylomata acuminata and works by destabilizing microtubules within epithelial cells, leading to mitotic arrest in metaphase. PPT-induced changes to the epidermis can cause histological findings mimicking dysplasia. Here, we present a case of vulvar condyloma acuminatum treated with PPT, showing ballooning degeneration, necrotic keratinocytes, and mitotic figures. PPT-treated skin may resemble dysplasia or squamous cell carcinoma in situ due to dyskeratosis and frequent mitoses; however, the synchronicity of mitotic figures in early phases of mitosis, as well as the absence of cellular pleomorphism and atypical mitotic figures, allows for distinction from malignancy. This case demonstrates the importance of understanding the histological changes caused by PPT to prevent misdiagnosis and potential overtreatment.

• Authors: Bonnie Leung, Tyler Enos, Travis Vandergriff
• Journal: The American Journal of dermatopathology (Am J Dermatopathol) Vol. 44 Issue 1 Pg. 70-72 (Jan 01 2022) ISSN: 1533-0311 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 34889815 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
• Podophyllotoxin

Topics

• Adult
• Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (diagnosis, pathology)
• Condylomata Acuminata (diagnosis, drug therapy, pathology)
• Diagnostic Errors
• Epidermis (pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Overtreatment
• Podophyllotoxin (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Vulvar Neoplasms (diagnosis, pathology)