The frequency of squamous cell carcinoma among patients with long standing burn scars

INTRODUCTION: Burn scar is a common complication of severe deep burns and its management could be started by medical therapy and or followed by plastic surgery. Squamous cell carcinoma could result as consequence of long standing burn scar.
METHODS: This case series descriptive study where a total of 172 patients with burn scars were seen during the period from 2014-2021.These patients were screened for cases with post burn scar squamous cell carcinoma and the different triggering factors were evaluated. Biopsies for histopathological assessment were done.
RESULTS: A total of 172 patients with burn scar, their ages ranged from 1-50 years with a mean 25 year, 122(71%) males and 50(29%) females. All had history of burn and the age of the scar was ranged from 0.5-5years.Twelve (6.97%) cases of squamous cell carcinoma were seen among all patients with burn scars, their ages ranged from 25-50 years with long standing burn scar. The sites of these cancers were as follow: 6(50%) cases on lower limbs including the buttock, 5(41.66%) cases upper limbs and one (8.33%) case on scalp.
The associated triggering risk factors were male sex, deep burn scar with contracture, long duration, at the sites of flexures like elbows and knees. In addition to sites subjected to repeated trauma, ulcerations and infection.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The frequency of squamous cell among burn scars was 6.97%. All patients with deep burn scar should be watched carefully for burn squamous cell carcinoma especially scars in male with frequent infection, ulcerations, repeated trauma and contracture around the joints. Early medical therapy is strongly indicated but if this maneuver fails then excision and grafting might prevent this important complication.