Squamous-cell carcinoma on long-lasting lymphoedema

Abstract

A 63-year-old white male living in a rural area, with previously untreated congenital lymphoedema, was admitted to our clinic (figure 1). A histological analysis of a biopsy from the lesion showed squamous-cell carcinoma cells. Metastases were also found in the ulcerated inguinal-lymphnodes. The patient underwent lymphoedema-reducing surgery, with wide excision of the ulcerated area and inguinal lymphadenectomy. Unfortunately, he died of a massive pulmonary embolism 4 days after surgery even though adequate pharmacological and physical measures were taken. Lymphoedema 1 may be a primary or secondary occurrence following either disease or surgery. Primary lymphoedema is sometimes congenital (Milroy’s disease) but it may also occur at any time of life, particularly puberty. Secondary lymphoedema is the most common form however, and often the result of filariasis, which is particularly common in southeast Asia and Africa. In developed countries, postsurgical lymphoedema of the extremity is common, and complications of chronic limb-lymphoedema include recurrent cellulitis and lymphangiosarcoma. Although lymphangiosarcoma 2 is a recognised compli