A huge infiltrating squamous cell carcinoma of the neck 46 years after radiotherapy of a haemangioma

Abstract

Background: There is a higher risk for malignant tumours in patients who underwent any kind of radiotherapy.Main observations: An 87-year old patient with an extended squamous cell carcinoma of the neck was referred to our hospital. The large ulcerated tumour showed a deep infiltration of the para-vertebral muscles and the spinal processes C6-C7. The tumour was known since about six years and appeared about 46 years after low-dose radiotherapy of a cervical haemangioma of the neck in 1961. The large dimension of the tumour leaded to a radical surgical removal and a sufficient fast reconstruction strategy. The extended defect was covered by a pedicled lower musculocutaneous trapezius flap. No postoperative complications like partial necrosis, infection or movement disorders of the shoulder or a shoulder drop syndrome were seen. Ten weeks after the operation the patient showed a good functional and aesthetic result with no limitation of arm mobility. Two and a half years after radical intended surgery the patient was still alive and showed no recurrence of the tumour.Conclusions: In conclusion there is a need for a life-time lasting dermatological supervision in patients with a history of radiotherapy in the past, because the handling of patients with such an enlarged tumour is complicated.