Background: A giant condyloma acuminatum which shows destructive growth but lacking invasion is designated as a Buschke-Lowenstein tumor (BLT).
Objectives: Classification of the BLT and therapeutic guidelines are provided.
Materials and methods: A MEDLINE literature search from 2006-2016 was performed.
Results: Induction through low-risk mucosotropic human papillomavirus (HPV) infection separates BLT from verrucous carcinoma. In the last 10 years, slightly more than 100 new cases have been described. Invasion as a true sign of malignancy was described in 12% of cases. HIV infection was observed in 14%. As invasion often occurs only focally and may only be detected after complete resection, BLT must be treated and considered as a low grade in situ epithelial cancer that evolves from condylomata acuminata. Diagnosis is confirmed by HPV detection and typical histology. CT scans are recommended to rule out deeper invasion. Organ preservation surgery remains the recommended therapy.
Conclusions: Buschke-Lowenstein tumors represent low grade epithelial in situ carcinomas which evolved from condylomata acuminata. Focal invasion is frequent but metastases occur only rarely. Organ preservation surgery is recommended.
Keywords: Condylomata acuminata; Giant condyloma acuminatum; Human papillomavirus; Malignancy; Verrucous carcinoma.