We describe a case of squamous cell carcinoma arising in long-standing necrobiosis lipoidica in a type 1 female diabetic patient. The tumour and the skin lesion were successfully excised and repaired with full thickness skin graft. The development of squamous cell carcinoma in association with this skin disorder is rare (only four cases reported in literature since 1966), but should be considered in chronic, non-healing and recalcitrant ulcers developing within areas of necrobiosis lipoidica.
A 69-year-old woman was admitted with facial flushing, weight loss and intermittent diarrhoea. Urinary 5-hydroxyindole-acetic acid (5-HIAA) level was elevated at 200 micromol/24 h (normal: < 50). Computerized tomography (CT) demonstrated multiple enhancing liver metastases with biopsy proven carcinoid metastases with no evidence of primary tumour at this stage. Octreotide was initiated, resulting in marked improvement in carcinoid symptoms. Nine years later, she presented with abdominal pain and slightly deranged liver function tests. Repeat colonoscopy at this stage, showed an ileal tumour causing impending obstruction, necessitating urgent right hemicolectomy. Histology demonstrated primary carcinoid tumour. She continued on octreotide. Three years later at the age of 81 years, she suffered a fatal haemorrhagic stroke. Autopsy revealed complete regression of hepatic carcinoid metastases.
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