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[Leg ulcers and cancer. 6 case reports]
J J Voisard1, I Lazareth, E Baviera
1Service de Médecine Vasculaire, Hôpital St Joseph, 185, rue Raymond Losserand, 75014 Paris.
Journal Des Maladies Vasculaires
|April 25, 2001
Summary
Malignant leg ulcers are rare, often presenting as Marjolin's ulcers on scars. Early diagnosis relies on assessing vascular status, ulcer appearance, and history of scarring.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Malignant transformation of leg ulcers is a debated topic, with estimates suggesting 1 in 300 leg ulcers may be carcinoma.
- Distinguishing between chronic leg ulcers and skin cancer ulceration is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- This study reviewed six patients with cancerous leg ulcers diagnosed between 1991 and 1999.
- The cases included squamous cell carcinoma (4) and basal cell carcinoma (2), with two primary leg carcinomas and four Marjolin's ulcers (ulcerated scars).
Findings:
- No malignant transformation of chronic vascular leg ulcers was observed in this series.
- Clinical indicators for cancerous leg ulcers include absence of vascular cause, red, budding appearance, hard borders, and development on a scar.
Implications:
- The study highlights key clinical criteria for early diagnosis of lower limb carcinomas, emphasizing vascular assessment, ulcer characteristics, and scar development.
- While malignant transformation of vascular leg ulcers is rare, prompt identification of cancerous ulcers is vital for patient outcomes.