Cutaneous pathergy and squamous cell carcinoma: a report of two cases

Austinn C. Miller, Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Associates of Tallahassee; University of Central Florida/HCA Healthcare Consortium; Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America Chinmoy Bhate, Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Associates of Tallahassee; Division of Dermatology, Mohs Micrographic Surgery Unit, Florida State University College of Medicine. Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America Monica Constantinescu, University of Central Florida/HCA Healthcare Consortium; Division of Dermatology, Mohs Micrographic Surgery Unit, Florida State University College of Medicine. Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America Julianna Gregor, Division of Dermatology, Mohs Micrographic Surgery Unit, Florida State University College of Medicine. Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America Armand B. Cognetta Jr., Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Associates of Tallahassee; University of Central Florida/HCA Healthcare Consortium; Division of Dermatology, Mohs Micrographic Surgery Unit, Florida State University College of Medicine. Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America

Cutaneous pathergy is a phenomenon demonstrating an exaggerated wound response following minor trauma. While often associated with inflammatory conditions, its association with carcinogenesis is less often described. Recognition of this important phenomenon may be challenging to clinicians who do not encounter it regularly. Cutaneous pathergic squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) most typically occur as numerous eruptive neoplasms in female patients in sites of trauma or in the background of lichen simplex chronicus or lichenoid dermatoses. Management can be difficult and is typically non-surgical. Herein, we describe two cases of pathergic SCCs and our approach to treatment.

Keywords: Pathergy. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Fluorouracil. Retinoid.