Malignant Transformation of Nonhealing Ulcer-Basal Cell Carcinoma

We discuss the rare case of a 72-year-old female with a history of a nonhealing lower extremity ulcer that was biopsied, revealing malignant transformation to basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Although BCC is the most common malignancy worldwide, malignant transformation of nonhealing wounds is more often associated with squamous cell carcinoma. Current literature estimates the rate of BCC arising from venous stasis ulcer to occur between 1.5 and 15%. When diagnosed early, BCC can have cure rates of up to 95%. However, metastatic BCC has a median survival of roughly 8 months. We believe it is important to raise awareness of this rare, but often curable, clinical diagnosis to improve long-term outcomes.