Squamous cell carcinoma of verrucous type in the setting of prior pyoderma gangrenosum: a case report

• Published in: Journal of medical case reports 2022-05, Vol.16 (1), p.199-199, Article 199
• Main Authors: Morrison, Amy, Waters-Hollingsworth, Carlene, Gamboa, G Mabel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biopsy; Cancer therapies; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - complications; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - diagnosis; Care and treatment; Case Report; Case reports; Crohn's disease; Diagnosis; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Inflammation; Male; Metastasis; Middle Aged; Pyoderma; Pyoderma gangrenosum; Pyoderma Gangrenosum - diagnosis; Pyoderma Gangrenosum - etiology; Pyoderma Gangrenosum - therapy; Radiation therapy; Radiotherapy; Skin cancer; Skin diseases; Skin Neoplasms - complications; Skin Neoplasms - diagnosis; Squamous cell carcinoma; Tomography; Ulcers; Veins & arteries
• ISSN: 1752-1947; 1752-1947
• DOI: 10.1186/s13256-022-03412-9

Pyoderma gangrenosum and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma are two conditions well reported in the literature and may exist concurrently in the same patient. In fact, there have been reports of misdiagnosis of one for the other. The two conditions occurring in the same location, however, has not yet been reported. We report the case of a 57-year-old Caucasian male with history of pyoderma gangrenosum of the right lateral tibial area who developed squamous cell carcinoma of verrucous type at the same site. Excisional surgery was considered to treat this patient, but he was ultimately managed with radiation therapy to the affected area due to the size of the lesion and the risk of triggering proliferation of the pyoderma gangrenosum. We hope that this case report will add to the literature of both conditions, show a unique presentation of both conditions, and emphasize the inclusion of both pyoderma gangrenosum and squamous cell carcinoma when developing a differential diagnosis of a chronic, nonhealing wound.