Primary squamous cell carcinoma arising at a gastrostomy tube site

Gastrostomy tubes are commonly used in children with feeding impairment. Postoperative complications such as the formation of granulation tissue are common and represent a type of chronic nonhealing wound. We present a case of a 24-year-old man with no history of malignancy who developed a primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma at a long-term gastrostomy tube site.     

Malignant transformation of a chronic leg ulcer

We report a case of a squamous cell carcinoma arising from a chronic leg ulcer initially diagnosed as venous ulcer. Usually, further diagnostic assessment of chronic ulcers is initiated with considerable delay only in cases when appropriate treatment fails to effect cure.     

Predicting delayed healing: The diagnostic accuracy of a venous leg ulcer risk assessment tool

The aim of this study was to validate a newly developed tool that can predict the risk of failure to heal of a venous leg ulcer in 24 weeks. The risk assessment tool was validated, and performance of the tool was assessed using Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC) analysis. Retrospective and prospective validation was conducted through multi‐site, longitudinal studies. In the retrospective study (n = 318), 30% of ulcers did not heal within 24 weeks, with the tool demonstrating an AUC of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.68‐0.93, P < .001) for the total score. In the prospective study across 10 clinical sites (n = 225), 31% (n = 68) of ulcers did not heal within 24 weeks. Participants were classified with the RAT at enrolment as being at low risk (27%), moderate risk (53%) or high risk (20%) of delayed healing; the proportion of wounds unhealed at 24 weeks was 6%, 29% and 59%, respectively. Validation results of the total score indicated good discrimination and goodness of fit with an AUC of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.71‐0.85, P < .001). Validation of this risk assessment tool offers assurance that realistic outcomes can be predicted for patients, and scores can guide early decisions on interventions to address specific risk factors for failing to heal, thus promoting timely healing.     

Marjolin’s ulcer of the forearm from 30-year-neglection of external fixator

BackgroundMarjolin’s ulcers are a rare form of malignancy that present at regions exposed to chronic infection. They present with a clinical triad of nodularity, induration, and ulceration greater than 3 months.Case reportWe present herein, an extremely rare case of Marjolin’s ulcer of the forearm, secondary to osteomyelitis, resulting from a 30-year neglection of external fixator used to treat a war injury of the forearm.DiscussionMarjolin’s ulcers are classically encountered in lower extremities at sites of burns, trauma or complicated wounds. In the upper extremity however, they are seldom mentioned in literature. The presence of risk factors raise the suspicion of the disease.ConclusionMarjolin’s ulcer is rare sequelae of chronic wound infection. Patients often present after a latency period with exacerbated pain, discharge, and exophytic mass. This disease should be suspected in every case of chronic ulcer, where histological studies of the lesion must be conducted to exclude or confirm the diagnosis.     

Ten years of experience in chronic ulcers and malignant transformation

Malignant degeneration of wounds is rare and often misdiagnosed. Delay in diagnosis may result in a worse prognosis. The aim of this study is to determine the number of skin cancers associated with chronic skin ulcers in our facility over a period of 10 years. Between January 2002 and December 2012, a total of about 1000 patients had consulted with us for chronic wounds, especially of vascular, diabetic and traumatic origin and pressure ulcers. Thirteen skin cancers had been detected: seven squamous cell and five basal cell carcinomas and one melanoma. We highlight how important it is to be aware of the signs suggesting a malignant change and the importance of biopsy at regular intervals during the life cycle of any chronic wound.     

Nested graft in chronic wounds: a new solution for an old problem

It is well shown that chronic wounds are populated by cells unable to respond to re-epithelising stimulus. Large ulcers that remain unhealed for several months are more difficult to treat probably because of the depletion of active factors. Yet in 1869 Reverdin realised that the partial coverage of an ulcer with small fragments of healthy skin was able to lead to wound healing; unfortunately, its employment was limited to granulating wounds. Recently, the importance of factors such as cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules in wound healing, and the involvement of all cellular types resident or transiting in the skin has been partially elucidated. In this study, we proposed to simultaneously provide a new cellular and molecular reservoir with the efficient stimulus to trigger it. We created receiving site inside the ulcer, able to contain a full-thickness graft taken from a donor site. Our aim was not to cover the entire defect, but to use the minigraft as 'fount' of functional cells and to give an acute stress through the chambers created inside the ulcer. A complete wound healing was obtained in all patients treated in a short period of time. This technique does not require special equipment and assistance in maintaining costs at very low levels.     

Primary cutaneous diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma presenting as chronic non‐healing ulcer

Primary cutaneous diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma is an uncommon and aggressive lymphoproliferative disorder with a rapid growth rate and dismal prognosis. We present the case of a 91‐year‐old female with an unusual manifestation of primary cutaneous diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, mimicking other more prevalent diseases like chronic non‐healing venous ulceration. Dermatopathologic evaluation rendered the correct diagnosis. A discussion of this rare presentation is important for clinician consideration to prevent misdiagnosis and prolongation of proper management in patients with chronic non‐healing leg ulcers.     

Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma and Squamous Carcinoma Derived from a Burn Scar

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma is the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma in late adult life. The tumour may be seen rarely in burn scars and accompanying other kinds of malignancies. We herein report a case of a tumour that derived from an old burn scar on the scalp. The histological examination revealed that the tumour contained both malignant fibrous histiocytoma and squamous carcinoma areas. Malignant transformation in a burn scar is a well-known development; therefore, a new lesion occurring within the scar should not be neglected.     

Intralesional allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells application in chronic diabetic foot ulcer: Phase I/2 safety study

BackgroundImpaired wound healing is a major cause of morbidity in diabetic patients by causing chronic ulcers. This study aimed to investigate the safety and outcomes after intralesional allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells injection in chronic diabetic foot ulcers.MethodsTwenty patients (12 male and eight female) were involved in the study. We randomized the patients into two groups of 10 patients each. The study group was treated with allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells injection with standard diabetic wound care. The control group received only standard diabetic wound care. Patient demographics, wound characteristics, wound closure time, amputation rates and clinical scores were evaluated.ResultsThe mean age was 57.3 ± 6.6 years. The mean follow-up duration was 48.0 (range, 26–50) months. Wound closure was achieved in 17 of 20 lesions (study group, 9 lesions; control group, 8 lesions; respectively). The mean time to wound closure was 31.0 ± 10.7 (range, 22–55) days in the study group, 54.8 + 15.0 (range, 30–78) days in the control group (p = 0.002). In three patients, minor amputations were performed (one patient in study group; two patients in the control group, p = 0.531). There was a significant difference between groups in terms of postoperative Short Form 36- physical functioning (p = 0.017) and Short Form 36-general health (p = 0.010).ConclusionAllogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells injection was found to be a safe and effective method with a positive contribution to wound-healing time in the treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers.     

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目的　总结原发性胆囊鳞癌、腺鳞癌的诊治经验。方法　回顾性分析了浙江大学医学院附属第二医院 1994～ 2 0 0 3年收治的少见胆囊癌 9例 (鳞癌 1例 ,腺鳞癌 8例 )。结果　行根治性手术 4例 ,姑息性手术 5例。9例中有 8例得到随访 ,均在术后半年内死亡 ,术后中位生存期 5 1d。结论　胆囊鳞癌腺鳞癌恶性程度较高 ,但淋巴结转移相对较晚。对于合适病例应尽可能行根治性胆囊切除 ,必要时行扩大根治性切除 ,术后放疗可能是一个较好的治疗方式。     

A multidisciplinary team approach to hydroxyurea-associated chronic wound with squamous cell carcinoma

Hydroxyurea (HU) has been shown to induce a variety of cutaneous adverse reactions, including severe leg ulcers. This report shows a successful treatment of a HU-induced chronic wound associated with squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). A 62-year-old patient affected with polycythemia vera and treated with HU for 10 years, presented with a non healing ulcer on a left heel. The patient gave a history of suffering from the wound for over 2 years. Biopsy showed evidence of invasive SCC. The patient underwent Mohs surgery and a greater saphenous vein ablation for polycythemia vera-associated vascular complications. The wound consistently decreased in size following successive debridements and coverage with human skin equivalent. The wound healed completely after a 6-month period. A multidisciplinary team approach to the treatment proved to be effective resulting in healing of this multifactorial chronic ulcer.     

Fixed sporotrichosis as a cause of a chronic ulcer on the knee

Chronic wounds are a major health care problem worldwide. Wound healing is a holistic endeavour that requires an accurate identification of the specific entities interfering with wound healing in a particular patient. We present a case of fixed sporotrichosis as the cause of a chronic ulcer in the knee. Although a culture of Sporothrix schenckii could not be obtained, a positive response to the sporotrichin skin test, a skin biopsy showed a suppurative granuloma and an adequate response to oral administration of potassium iodide confirmed the diagnosis. The identification and correction of the underlying aetiology of any chronic wound is the first and most important step to restore wound healing.     

Early diagnosis is vital in the management of squamous cell carcinomas associated with chronic non healing ulcers: a case series and review of the literature

The association between chronic ulcers and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) is well established. Their clinical presentations, however, are varied, ranging from innocously appearing lesions to overtly exophytic growths. We present a series of cases with heterogeneous clinical presentations and different treatment outcomes. Case series - patient 1 was a 69-year-old man with an 18-month history of static non healing venous leg ulcer, but no sinister features, biopsy was performed to rule out Marjolin's transformation, histology revealed SCC and treatment was simple excision and skin grafting; patient 2 was a 73-year-old lady with an 18-month history of non healing ulcer (innocuous appearance) over distal interphalangeal joint of index finger, histology revealed SCC with deeper extension and treatment was amputation of distal half of finger; patient 3 was a 73-year-old lady with a 12-month history of non healing fungating leg ulcer with irregular borders and everted edges, histology revealed SCC (tumour eroding tibia and distant metastasis) and treatment was above-knee amputation, radiotherapy and palliation. Whilst SCC is amenable to simple excision in the early stages, delay in diagnosis could result in loss of the affected digit or limb; an SCC which has metastasised is also life threatening. Therefore, a low threshold to biopsy static non healing ulcers or ulcers in unusual sites should be adopted even in those not manifesting any evidence of malignancy.