Horrifying Basal Cell Carcinoma Presenting as Progressive Pyoderma Gangrenosum: Case Report.

TitleHorrifying Basal Cell Carcinoma Presenting as Progressive Pyoderma Gangrenosum: Case Report.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2024
AuthorsHoellwarth JS, Reif TJ, Mori S, Kang R, Magro CM
JournalCase Rep Oncol
Volume17
Issue1
Pagination298-304
Date Published2024 Jan-Dec
ISSN1662-6575
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Skin ulcers can be challenging to diagnose and manage, particularly with comorbid autoimmune and gastrointestinal diseases. Occam's razor encourages the simplest explanation to guide care, but reconsideration must occur when intervention proves futile.

CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 70-year-old male, with a 17-year history of expanding pretibial skin ulcer, presumed by prior care providers to be pyoderma gangrenosum related to Crohn's disease. A surgical biopsy performed upon presentation to our institution revealed basal cell carcinoma of the skin, invasive to the proximal tibia with associated deep infection, prompting transfemoral amputation.

CONCLUSION: This report is written as a reminder to reconsider a diagnosis and consider seeking additional expertise when a patient's condition progressively worsens despite intervention. Earlier diagnosis likely would have facilitated therapeutic limb salvage care.

DOI10.1159/000536445
Alternate JournalCase Rep Oncol
PubMed ID38371171
PubMed Central IDPMC10870126
Related Faculty: 
Cynthia M. Magro, M.D.

Pathology & Laboratory Medicine 1300 York Avenue New York, NY 10065 Phone: (212) 746-6464
Surgical Pathology: (212) 746-2700