Squamous cell carcinoma arising from an ischial pressure ulcer initially suspected to be necrotizing soft tissue infection: A case report

Abstract

BackgroundPressure ulcers are the most common complications in bedridden patients or those with spinal cord injuries. Marjolin's ulcer refers to a malignant transformation arising from burn scars or chronic nonhealing wounds—such as pressure ulcers—over many years. Squamous cell carcinoma is the major histopathologic type of Marjolin's ulcer, and the gold standard for diagnosis is tissue biopsy. Medical professionals may have difficulty distinguishing pressure ulcers from Marjolin's ulcer, especially when the latter presents with invasive infections. Thus, malignant transformations arising from pressure ulcers are frequently overlooked. Herein, we describe a case of squamous cell carcinoma arising from pressure ulcers on the left ischium, which was initially identified as a necrotizing soft tissue infection. Case reportA 59-year-old paraplegic patient presented with stage 3 left ischial pressure ulcer, which involves full-thickness skin loss and extends into deep subcutaneous tissue, and arrived at our hospital with suspected sepsis. Upon physical examination, the patient presented with fever and shivering. Initial examination and imaging findings revealed the presence of necrotizing soft tissue infections. Three weeks later, rapid increase in granulation in the deep part of the ulcer was observed. Samples from multiples ulcer sites were collected for tissue biopsy. Finally, histological examination revealed well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The patient received radiation therapy and chemotherapy and died 11 months after the diagnosis. ConclusionMalignant transformations arising from pressure ulcers may closely resemble pressure ulcer infections. In these cases, tissue biopsies should be performed during primary care for the infection to exclude malignant transformations.