Malignant change in chronic varicose ulceration.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Chronic venous ulcers are a common complication of venous insufficiency.
• Malignant transformation in chronic wounds is a rare but serious complication.

Observation:

• This case series describes five patients with chronic venous ulcers.
• Four patients presented with squamous-cell carcinoma.
• One patient developed basal-cell carcinoma.

Findings:

• Squamous-cell carcinoma occurred in four out of five patients with chronic venous ulcers.
• Basal-cell carcinoma was observed in one patient at the site of chronic varicose ulceration.
• The development of skin cancer in chronic venous ulcers is a rare occurrence.

Implications:

• Increased vigilance for skin cancer in patients with non-healing chronic venous ulcers is warranted.
• Early detection and treatment of malignancy in these ulcers can improve patient outcomes.
• Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and risk factors for carcinogenesis in chronic venous ulcers.