[Infiltrative basal cell carcinoma presenting as chronic leg ulcer]

Abstract

Background: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common carcinoma of the skin and is usually found on the head and neck. We report an unusual case of basal cell carcinoma presenting as a chronic leg ulcer, with underlying bone involvement.

Case report: A 70-year-old woman presented with a 15-year history of leg ulcer refractory to treatment. Because of the exuberant granulation tissue on the base and the indurated edges of this circumferential leg ulcer, several biopsies were taken from the edge and the base of the ulcer. Histological examination revealed infiltrative basal cell carcinoma. Treatment consisted of surgical excision of 80% of the primary lesion and coverage with a split-thickness skin graft. Examination of the surgical piece revealed invasion of bone by the carcinoma. The remainder of the lesion not accessible to surgery was irradiated.

Discussion: There is a need for awareness among all doctors of the clinical signs evocative of malignant transformation of a leg ulcer so that a skin biopsy may be performed for suspicious ulcers. Our case is distinguished by the underlying invasion of bone by basal cell carcinoma, as attested by imaging and histology.