Rapid onset of multiple concurrent squamous cell carcinomas associated with the use of an arsenic-containing traditional medicine for chronic plaque psoriasis. (30th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Siefring, Mark Louis; Lu, Doanh; States, J Christopher; Van Hoang, Minh
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2018
• Publication Date: 2018-03-30
• Subjects: skin cancer -- dermatology; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2017-222645
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : We report a case of a 46-year-old Vietnamese man who developed widespread, numerous and concurrent cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) in non-sun exposed skin areas after taking a traditional medicine (TM) formulation for chronic plaque psoriasis. The SCC lesions began to develop within 12–15 months after beginning the arsenic-containing TM. The patient experienced both acute and chronic symptoms consistent with arsenic exposure. Laboratory investigation of a collected hair sample showed a significant arsenic level. The TM formulation used by the patient was tested and demonstrated an extremely high concentration of arsenic.