Carcinome épidermoïde sur ulcère chronique de la lèvre supérieure chez une patiente infectée par le VIH.

Abstract

Epidermoid carcinomas account for one third of cutaneous carcinomas. These are the most common cancers in adults. On dark skin, epidermoid carcinomas do not mainly occur on photo-exposed areas but rather complicate chronic ulcers. We are reporting the case of a 39 years old patient, HIV 1 positive being consulted for a budding tumor of the upper lip occurred on chronic erosion that appeared three years before. The histopathological examination of the bioptic specimen and of the resection specimen objectified a differentiated and mature epidermoid carcinoma. The patient was classified as Stage II: T3 N0 M 0. A complete tumor resection was performed followed by a double labial reconstruction by local advancement flap. Chronic ulceration and HIV infection have been identified as factors that favored malignant transformation. Limited access to health facilities has reportedly favored the evolution of lesions towards a complicated form and difficult medical care. The therapeutic challenge was to remove the tumor while preserving the function and aesthetics of the mouth.

Keywords

• Epidermoid carcinoma; HIV; Chronic ulceration