Squamous cell carcinoma on the dorsal aspect of foot: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare condition of the foot. Its incidence has been described as roughly 0.6 to 3.0%. The disease was first described in 1828 by Marjolin, and its malignancy was recognized by Dupuytren. SCC originates in keratinocytes and may develop from a precursor lesion or de novo lesions. A case report of the occurrence of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the foot is presented. This metastatic lesion developed following trauma. The patient presented with a painful, ulcerative, non-healing wound on the dorsum of the left foot. A case study of squamous cell carcinoma on the dorsal aspect of the foot was done. Fine-needle aspiration of the lymph node and wedge biopsy of the lesion documented it as metastatic squamous cell carcinoma that was managed eventually by below-knee amputation. The clinical significance of our case study highlights the need for any non-healing wound to be viewed with suspicion and to assist in the prognosis, diagnosis, and management of patients with SCC along with a review of pertinent literature. In addition, this study has shown that early diagnosis and treatment are of vital importance to decrease the risk of recurrence and metastasis.