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Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
Medknow Publications on behalf of The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL)
ISSN: 0378-6323 EISSN: 0973-3922
Vol. 69, Num. 4, 2003, pp. 296-297

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology, Vol. 69, No. 4, July-August, 2003, pp. 296-297

Case Report

Coexistence of disseminated superficial and giant porokeratosis of Mibelli with squamous cell carcinoma

Departments of Skin, STD and Leprosy, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli
Correspondence Address: Department of Skin, STD and Leprosy, KIMS, Hubli.

Code Number: dv03036

ABSTRACT

Porokeratosis of Mibelli is a genetic disease transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait. The giant type of porokeratosis is a relatively rare entity and is associated with an increased risk of malignancy. The aim of this article is to present this rare case of giant porokeratosis associated with squamous cell carcinoma.

KEYWORDS: Porokeratosis of Mibelli, Squamous cell carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Porokeratosis of Mibelli is a genetic disease transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait.[1] It is a specific disorder of keratinization, clinically characterized by irregular annular plaques with well-demarcated, raised, hyperkeratotic borders. The border is usually more than 1 mm in height and contains a thread-like groove. Giant porokeratosis is rare. The lesion may be 10 cm in diameter and has a high incidence of malignant transformation.[2]

CASE REPORT

A 45-year-old woman presented with a giant plaque on her back of 30 years' duration and ulceration since 5 months. The plaque was about 1 cm in diameter initially and gradually spread over a period of years to involve almost the entire back. It showed ulceration and bleeding since 5 months [Figure-1]. A few similar lesions appeared during this time on both hands and face and those were associated with itching.

On examination, there was a 30 x 20 cm plaque on the back showing a well demarcated hyperkeratotic border with a thread-like groove. Overlying this was a 10 x 10 cm fleshy exuberant plaque which bleeds on touch.

Histopathology of the edge of the plaque was suggestive of porokeratosis of Mibelli. Fine needle aspiration cytology of the ulcerative lesion revealed features of squamous cell carcinoma. The patient refused any other investigation and treatment.

On family screening, it was found that the patient's father and both her sisters (aged 40 years and 53 years) had disseminated superficial porokeratosis (the latter since 10-15 years of age), but not her mother or her 50-year-old brother. Hence the patient had disseminated superficial porokeratosis along with giant porokeratosis of Mibelli with squamous cell carcinoma.

DISCUSSION

Classic porokeratosis was described by Mibelli in 1893 as one or more localized, gradually progressive, hyperkeratotic, irregular plaques with central atrophy and a prominent peripheral keratotic ridge. A more superficial disseminated form was described by Respighi and later by Andrews.[1],[2]

In the rare giant type of porokeratosis there is an increased risk of malignant transformation. Malignant changes can occur in long standing lesions of porokeratosis. Squamous cell carcinoma is the commonest type of malignancy.[3],[4] 

REFERENCES

1. Pavithran K. Disorders of keratinization. In: Valia RG, Valia AR, editors. IADVL Textbook and atlas of dermatology. 2nd ed. Mumbai: Bhalani Publishing House; 2001. p. 805-7.  Back to cited text no. 1
2. Griffiths WAD, Judge MR. Disorders of keratinisation: In: Champion RH, Burton JL, Burns DA, Breathnach SM, editors. Rook/Wilkinson Ebling Textbook of dermatology. 6th ed. Oxford: Blackwell Science; 1998. p. 1552-4.  Back to cited text no. 2
3. Cort DF. Epithelioma arising in porokeratosis of Mibelli. Br J Plast Surg 1972;25:318-28.  Back to cited text no. 3
4. Lucker GP, Steiljen PM. The co-existence of linear and giant porokeratosis associated with Bowen's disease. Dermatology 1994;189:78-80.  Back to cited text no. 4

Copyright 2003 - Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology. Free full text also available from: http://www.ijdvl.com


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