Case Reports in Dermatology (Nov 2016)

Squamous Cell Carcinoma in African Children with Xeroderma Pigmentosum: Three Case Reports

  • Mamadou Kaloga,
  • Pauline Dioussé,
  • Boubacar Ahy Diatta,
  • Mariama Bammo,
  • Sarah Kourouma,
  • Almamy Diabate,
  • Ndiaga Gueye,
  • Haby Dione,
  • Moussa Diallo,
  • Bernard Marcel Diop

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1159/000452438
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 3
pp. 311 – 318

Abstract

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Introduction: Xeroderma pigmentosum is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disease. This disease predisposes patients to early-onset skin cancers, particularly squamous cell carcinoma. Here, we report 3 pediatric cases, including 2 deaths. Observation: The subjects included 2 boys and 1 girl with skin type VI. All subjects were from consanguineous marriages, and the average age was 7.6 years. The patients all had ulcerative budding tumor lesions in the cephalic region, and the mean disease duration was 18 months. In all 3 cases, the diagnosis of xeroderma pigmentosum was made before the poikilodermal appearance of sun-exposed areas and photophobia. Neurological-type mental retardation was noted in 1 case. Histology confirmed squamous cell carcinoma in all 3 cases. The evolutions were marked by the death of 2 children (cases 1 and 3). In one case, the outcome was favorable following cancer excision and subsequent chemotherapy with adjuvant radiotherapy. Conclusion: Squamous cell carcinoma is a serious complication related to xeroderma pigmentosum in Sub-Saharan Africa. Prevention is based on the early diagnosis of xeroderma pigmentosum, black skin photoprotection, screening and early treatment of lesions, and genetic counseling.

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