Rapid onset of multiple concurrent squamous cell carcinomas associated with the use of an arsenic-containing traditional medicine for chronic plaque psoriasis

BMJ Case Rep. 2018 Mar 30:2018:bcr2017222645. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-222645.

Abstract

We report a case of a 46-year-old Vietnamese man who developed widespread, numerous and concurrent cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) in non-sun exposed skin areas after taking a traditional medicine (TM) formulation for chronic plaque psoriasis. The SCC lesions began to develop within 12-15 months after beginning the arsenic-containing TM. The patient experienced both acute and chronic symptoms consistent with arsenic exposure. Laboratory investigation of a collected hair sample showed a significant arsenic level. The TM formulation used by the patient was tested and demonstrated an extremely high concentration of arsenic.

Keywords: dermatology; skin cancer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arsenic
  • Arsenic Poisoning / complications*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / chemically induced*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery
  • Chronic Disease
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medicine, Traditional / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / chemically induced*
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / surgery
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery
  • Time

Substances

  • Arsenic