Buruli ulcer is infectious necrotizing panniculitis due to Mycobacterium ulcerans. Buruli ulcer is healed by leaving dystrophic, fibrous and retractile scars. On these scars can occur long-term squamous cell carcinoma. We report the first case of squamous cell carcinoma occurring on healing of Buruli ulcer. A 32-year-old woman with Buruli ulcer who has been cured for about 10 years is seen for ulcero-bulging knee swelling. The examination had revealed a large swelling of about ten centimeters in diameter, ulcero-budding, with an easily bleeding cauliflower appearance. The diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma being retained without metastasis, resection of the tumor with scarring after one month without chemotherapy. There was no recurrence after six months of decline. The epidemiology of Buruli ulcer, responsible for scarring, explains the young age of our patient and the localization of carcinoma on the limb. The carcinomatous degeneration of scars, especially the scars of old burns, is constantly reported. The characteristics of Buruli ulcer scars, which bring them closer to burn scars, may explain why they are particularly affected by carcinomatous degeneration. One could also mention the chronicity of the wound in this infection, or wonder if the mycobacteria itself could play a role in carcinogenesis. This observation is, in our opinion, an alarm signal. We must fear an outbreak of cases in the years to come. To this end, preventive measures should already be taken by sensitizing the patients for an early consultation before any modification of their scars. After recovery, Buruli ulcer seems to present a risk of long-term evolution to a cancer. The scars of this condition, which could be considered precancerous lesions.
Voluntary skin depigmentation is defined as a set of procedures for obtaining skin clarification for cosmetic purposes. Skin cancers are possible complications, but rarely reported. We describe a case observed in Ivory Coast. A 52-year-old Ivorian woman consulted the Dermatology Department of the University Hospital of Treichville, Abidjan for an ulceration of the middle third of the right clavicle evolving for 10 months. A diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was confirmed by histological examination of the tumour biopsy. Retroviral serology (HIV) was negative. An excision of the tumour was performed. The postoperative consequences were simple. We report a case of SCC following long-term use of depigmenting cosmetic products in a female phototype VI. SCC is the most common skin cancer among black Africans. It is secondary to precancerous lesions or takes place on a damaged skin. Concerning our patient, the onset of this carcinoma could be associated with the carcinogenic effect of hydroquinone and topical corticoids used for a long time. In addition, no precancerous lesion or preexisting condition were found. The chronic evolution without healing was in favour of a neoplastic origin achieved through the analysis of the biopsy sample.
Background: The aim was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of alopecia areata in Black African patients. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted at the Dermatology and Venerology Department of the University Hospital Center of Treichville over a 5-year. Results: The prevalence of alopecia areata was 0.2%. The mean age was 24.6 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1.47. Stress preceding the symptomatology was found in 3 cases. As for the clinical distribution, there were 25 cases of plaque-type alopecia areata, 10 cases of total descending alopecia areata, and 7 cases of universal alopecia areata. There was no nail damage and no associated pathologies. Local treatment only was administered in 31 cases, local and systemic treatment in 8 cases, and systemic treatment only in 3 cases. Conclusions: Alopecia areata predominates in young male populations and pathologies associated with alopecia are very rare.
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