A Rare Case of Squamous Cell Carcinoma following a Cactus Spine Injury

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer following basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Risk factors for the development of SCC include exposure to ultraviolet light and trauma such as penetrating wounds. In the Southwest United States, cacti are abundant and can cause minor to serious injury if their spines puncture skin. In this case study, we report an interesting case of the development of well-differentiated squamous cell keratoacanthoma 5 years following a saguaro cactus spine puncture wound.