Psuedoepitheliomatous Hyperplasia Mimicking Squamous Cell Cancer in a Post-burn Scalp Wound: Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Introduction: Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia is a benign condition characterized by hyperplasia of the epidermis and adnexal epithelium commonly occurring in reaction to several conditions including chronic burn wound. Case Report: An 18 month old male patient presented with scald burns to the scalp and face with chronicity and infection of the burn wound as consent for skin grafting was not given by the parents. Initial histology of incision biopsy specimen revealed a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma in a chronic burn wound on the scalp. This did not correlate with the clinical picture of the wound necessitating a second histologic review of the biopsy specimen, which this time was confirmed as pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia. Patient further declined excision and grafting with the wound eventually healing with scarring after 10 months. Conclusion: A very high index of suspicion is required in making the diagnosis of PEH. Public enlightenment is needed to educate people on wounds and their management if optimal results must be obtained.