Squamous cell carcinoma in a patient with leprosy

Abstract

A 91-year-old male was diagnosed with leprosy at 12 years of age. He had low ADL levels and was almost bedridden. He presented with erosions and crusts on his left cheek, which was treated as actinic keratosis by cryotherapy two years prior. The lesions had gradually enlarged and developed a tumorous nodule, which was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma by skin biopsy. Surgery or radiotherapy was considered as a treatment option, but conservative treatment continued at the previous hospital. The tumor increased further, and he was referred to our department. Physical examination demonstrated an ulcerative red brownish tumor measuring 12×10 cm in the left cheek. A whole-body computed tomography scan showed no enlarged lymph nodes or distant metastases. Although he had several risk factors including old age, anemia, decreased ADL, hypoalbuminemia, and pleural effusion, palliative surgical excision was performed for local control. However, he died of pneumonia five months after the operation.[Skin Cancer (Japan) 2021 ; 36 : 71-75]