Cutaneous pathergy and squamous cell carcinoma: a report of two cases

Cutaneous pathergy is a phenomenon demonstrating an exaggerated wound response following minor trauma.While often associated with inflammatory conditions, its association with carcinogenesis is less often described.Recognition of this important phenomenon may be challenging to clinicians who do not encounter it regularly.Cutaneous pathergic squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) most typically occur as numerous eruptive neoplasms in female patients in sites of trauma or in the background of lichen simplex chronicus or lichenoid dermatoses.Management can be difficult and is typically non-surgical.Herein, we describe two cases of pathergic SCCs and our approach to treatment.