Malignant Transformation of a Chronic Venous Stasis Ulcer to Basal Cell Carcinoma in a Diabetic Patient: Case Study and Review of the Pathophysiology
Abstract
The degeneration of chronic wounds into basal cell carcinoma is rare. We present an atypical case of basal cell carcinoma diagnosed by soft tissue biopsy in a long-standing wound that had been treated for 3 years as a chronic venous stasis ulcer. In addition to the case report, we review the biomedical literature describing malignant transformation of long-standing wounds. Foot and ankle specialists should be on the lookout for changes that signal malignant transformation in long-standing ulcers.
1Faculty Graduate Medical Education, Mercy Hospital Health Systems, Toledo, OH; Director; Research and Publications, Kaiser Permanente, Cleveland, OH; Adjunct Clinical Faculty, Ohio University, Athens, OH
2PGY-III, St. Vincent Mercy Hospital, Mercy Hospital Health Systems, Toledo, OH
Address correspondence to Molly S. Judge, DPM, FACFAS, 7581 Secor Road, Lambertville, Michigan 48144.