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Squamous cell carcinoma arising in the skin of a deltopectoral flap 27 years after pharyngeal reconstruction
Author(s) -
Iseli Tim A.,
Hall Francis T.,
Buchanan Malcolm R.,
Kleid Stephen M.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.1154
Subject(s) - pharynx , medicine , laryngectomy , basal cell , malignancy , surgery , carcinoma , oral cavity , complication , larynx , pathology , dentistry
Background Development of a second primary squamous cell carcinoma in the skin of a flap used for pharyngeal reconstruction is rare. Methods A case of squamous cell carcinoma is presented arising in a deltopectoral flap used to reconstruct the hypopharynx 27 years after total laryngectomy. Three previous reports found on review of the literature are summarized. Results A second primary squamous cell carcinoma may arise in the skin of a myocutaneous flap in the absence of any obvious risk factors. Conclusion We suspect that long‐term exposure of the skin of the flap lining the pharynx to saliva may have been a significant factor in the development of this malignancy. Long‐term follow up and awareness of this complication is required for patients with soft tissue reconstruction of the oral cavity and pharynx. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 24: 87–90, 2002.