Limb Amputation because of Spinocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Spinocellular or epidermoid carcinoma is a malignant tumor derived from epithelial keratinocytes. It has the capacity of being invasive, destructive, infiltrative and with the possibility of contiguous, lymphatic and hematogenous dissemination. The case is presented of a 62-year-old male patient, of white skin color, who was consulted at the dermatology service for a tumor lesion on his left hand’s dorsum, which had been growing rapidly for weeks. A diagnosis of spinocellular carcinoma was suggested and a biopsy and surgical intervention were recommended. It was confirmed by histology and total ablation of the tumor was performed with subsequent follow-up. Months later, the patient presented again with a recurrence larger than the initial lesion, even accompanied by myiasis. It was decided to perform a forearm amputation due to the underlying and irreversible infiltrative tissue destruction. The case is presented because of the interest that it represents and because of the importance of early diagnosing this type of lesion.