Verrucous carcinoma of the temporal bone: a wolf clothed in wool.

Verrucous carcinomas are rare tumors that predominantly affect the head and neck region. A paradox of slow, aggressive invasion, apparent lymphadenopathy, yet seemingly bland histopathology, they can beguile unwary clinicians into multiple diagnostic biopsies and regional lymphadenectomy. We report a rare verrucous carcinoma of the temporal bone associated with extensive destruction around the skull base.