Open AccessTen years of experience in chronic ulcers and malignant transformation
Author(s) -
Onesti Maria G,
Fino Pasquale,
Fioramonti Paolo,
Amorosi Vittoria,
Scuderi Nicolò
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
international wound journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1742-481X
pISSN - 1742-4801
DOI - 10.1111/iwj.12134
Subject(s) - medicine , chronic wound , melanoma , basal cell , biopsy , malignant transformation , basal cell carcinoma , dermatology , surgery , skin biopsy , wound healing , pathology , cancer research
Malignant degeneration of wounds is rare and often misdiagnosed. Delay in diagnosis may result in a worse prognosis. The aim of this study is to determine the number of skin cancers associated with chronic skin ulcers in our facility over a period of 10 years. Between January 2002 and December 2012, a total of about 1000 patients had consulted with us for chronic wounds, especially of vascular, diabetic and traumatic origin and pressure ulcers. Thirteen skin cancers had been detected: seven squamous cell and five basal cell carcinomas and one melanoma. We highlight how important it is to be aware of the signs suggesting a malignant change and the importance of biopsy at regular intervals during the life cycle of any chronic wound.