Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma secondary to osteomyelitis is uncommon, although well documented. The accurate incidence of this complication is difficult to assess, but in patients with chronic osteomyelitis it has been estimated to range from 0.2% to 1.7%. Most patients have a 20- to 30-year history of osteomyelitis with an intermittently draining sinus prior to the development of malignancy. More than 85% occur in the lower extremities, with 50% involving the tibia. Involvement of the hand is relatively rare.
Since metastasis way result in death, amputation proximally to the tumor is a current treatment modality.
We encountered two cases of squamous cell cacrinoma secondary to osteomyelitis. One was a typical case in which the affected extremity was preserved. The other was a female who developed squamous cell carinoma in her finger at three months after the onset of osteomyelitis.
