A Rare Complication of Lupus Vulgaris: Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Lupus vulgaris (LV) is the most common form of cutaneous tuberculosis. A rare complication of chronic LV is squamous cell carcinoma. A 79-year-old female patient applied to our outpatient clinic because of a rapidly growing mass in the last three months on a livid-colored lesion existing on her left arm for 23 years. She was diagnosed as well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma on the basis of LV by dermatological examination, histopathological examination, and polymerase chain reaction. Her squamous cell carcinoma underwent radical excision, and antituberculous chemotherapy was started. No recurrence was detected during 6-month follow-up period. It should be considered that, although rare, serious complications may occur on the basis of LV.