Invasive squamous cell carcinoma arising from chromoblastomycosis

Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic subcutaneous mycosis seen mainly in tropical regions. While malignant transformation rarely occurs, the present report describes a 69-year-old man with a 21-year history of chromoblastomycosis complicated by invasive squamous cell carcinoma requiring amputation of the affected limb. A review of previous reported cases shows malignancy arising after 20-30 years of infection in ≥60-year-old males who have received inadequate treatment of chromoblastomycosis and have had relapses. An immunocompromised state is not an associated feature of such cases. The extremities are commonly affected as carcinomas occur from the most chronic lesions which are generally found on these limbs.