Squamous cell carcinoma arising in the skin of a deltopectoral flap 27 years after pharyngeal reconstruction

• Published in: Head & neck Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 87 - 90
• Main Authors: Iseli, Tim A., Hall, Francis T., Buchanan, Malcolm R., Kleid, Stephen M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.01.2002; John Wiley & Sons
• Subjects: Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Carcinoma in Situ - pathology; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - pathology; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - surgery; Follow-Up Studies; Glottis; Head and neck surgery. Maxillofacial surgery. Dental surgery. Orthodontics; Humans; Laryngeal Neoplasms - pathology; Laryngeal Neoplasms - surgery; Laryngectomy - methods; Male; Medical sciences; neoplasm recurrence; Neoplasms, Second Primary - pathology; Neoplasms, Second Primary - surgery; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Pectoralis Muscles - pathology; Pectoralis Muscles - transplantation; pharyngeal neoplasm; Pharyngeal Neoplasms - pathology; Pharyngeal Neoplasms - surgery; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - methods; Reoperation; Risk Assessment; squamous cell carcinoma; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Surgery of the upper aerodigestive tract; surgical flaps; Surgical Flaps - pathology; Tumors; Upper respiratory tract, upper alimentary tract, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands: diseases, semeiology; Human; Reconstruction; Skin disease; Squamous cell carcinoma; Late; Deltopectoral; Plastic surgery; Male; Malignant tumor; Laryngectomy; Case study; Hypopharynx; Treatment; Second cancer; Surgery; Primary; Total; Adult; Complication; Musculocutaneous flap; Skin; Bibliographic review
• ISSN: 1043-3074; 1097-0347
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.1154

Background Development of a second primary squamous cell carcinoma in the skin of a flap used for pharyngeal reconstruction is rare. Methods A case of squamous cell carcinoma is presented arising in a deltopectoral flap used to reconstruct the hypopharynx 27 years after total laryngectomy. Three previous reports found on review of the literature are summarized. Results A second primary squamous cell carcinoma may arise in the skin of a myocutaneous flap in the absence of any obvious risk factors. Conclusion We suspect that long‐term exposure of the skin of the flap lining the pharynx to saliva may have been a significant factor in the development of this malignancy. Long‐term follow up and awareness of this complication is required for patients with soft tissue reconstruction of the oral cavity and pharynx. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 24: 87–90, 2002.