Untreated meningomyelocele and squamous cell carcinoma: a case report and literature review

Early closure of the meningocele, meningomyelocele, is essential to prevent complications such as hypothermia, infection in the postnatal period. But for some reasons, it is not always possible to repair early. The possibility of malign transformation should be considered in long-term due to nonhealing ulcers and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula and frequent infections in an adult patient with meningomyelocele. The possibility of conversion to malignancy in the control of an untreated meningomyelocele patient with (CSF) drainage should be especially kept in mind.

A case is described of a malignant transformation at the site of a myelomeningocele in a 22-year-old woman. The lumbosacral region was deformed by a large meningomyelocele 10 cm in diameter, with areas of scar and ulcer. For 7 years prior to this presentation, the lesion was a large fistula in the roof of the open myelomeningocele. She underwent continuous CSF draining. A biopsy was done which revealed it as squamous cell carcinoma.

Early closure of meningocele, meningomyelocele is essential to prevent complications such as hypothermia, infection in the postnatal period. Also, especially if there is continuous CSF exposure, the possibility of malignant change should be kept in mind in neglected cases presenting in an adult.