Squamous cell carcinoma arising in chronic osteomyelitis--clinical analysis of 7 cases

Retrospectively, we analyzed 7 cases of chronic osteomyelitis complicated with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), who had been treated consecutively in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from April 1983 to Jan. 1991. There were 6 males and one female, with the age between 43 and 80 years (average 57 years). The distribution of these lesions was 5 in the lower legs and 2 in the thighs; one had another hip lesion. The duration of discharging sinus presented before malignant change was from 4.5 years to 50 years (average 30 years). The pathological findings were all well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Amputation was performed in 5 of them. Limb salvage procedure was selectively done in one case. Chemotherapy and regional irradiation without surgery was given in the remaining case. Follow up examination showed that the short term results were satisfactory in all cases. Six cases had at least one year of follow-up; the longest follow-up was 8 years.