Squamous cell carcinoma during long term hydroxyurea treatment: A case report

Hydroxyurea (HU) is a ribonucleotide diphosphate reductase inhibitor that interferes with the S phase of cell replication and inhibits DNA synthesis, with limited or no effect on RNA or protein synthesis. The cutaneous side effects of hydroxyurea treatment are diverse and frequent. Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most challenging side-effect.

The authors report the case of a healthy 59-year-old woman on long-term therapy with Hydroxyurea 500 mg daily for essential thrombocytosis, presented with a painless slow-growing lesion of the jaw that had persisted and increased in size for six months, the appearance of the lesion is correlated to the administration of the hydroxyurea treatment. Clinical examination revealed a large nodular lesion 4 × 4 cm with irregular borders of the right cheek, infiltrated into underlying tissue, the lesion extending to the free border of the right lower eyelid without sensory disturbances or diplopia. The surgery was indicated. The surgical procedure had the aim of the restoration of the anatomic landmarks after a large excision of the tumor and reconstruction of full-thickness eyelid defect with a local flap under general anesthesia.

Maxillofacial surgeons must be aware of the side effects of hydroxyurea including facial cancer, ulceration, etc. Rigorous follow-up of patients on hydroxyurea is required.