Dermatológia pre prax 3/2025
Squamous cell carcinoma on lower leg in a patient with Sjögren‘s syndrome
Introduction: Sjögren’s syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by sicca symptoms and extraglandular manifestations, including cutaneous changes. In rare cases, it may also be associated with the development of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).
Case Report: We present the case of an 88-year-old polymorbid female patient with Sjögren’s syndrome and a non-healing ulcer on the left lower leg, which was histologically confirmed as a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The patient had multiple comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, polyneuropathy associated with Sjögren’s syndrome, chronic venous insufficiency, and peripheral arterial disease of the lower limbs. Based on this, the SCC was initially assessed as a chronic ulcer of mixed etiology. Definitive treatment consisted of surgical excision and defect coverage with a skin graft.
Conclusion: In cases of chronic, non-healing lower leg ulcers in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome, oncologic causes should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis, and early biopsy should be performed.
Keywords: Sjögren’s syndrome, squamous cell carcinoma, non-melanoma skin cancer, lower leg ulcer
