Severe exacerbation of multiple self-healing squamous epithelioma (Ferguson-Smith disease) with radiotherapy, which was successfully treated with acitretin

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2010 Jun;35(4):e100-2. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2009.03668.x. Epub 2009 Oct 23.

Abstract

We describe the challenging case of a patient presenting with extensive, eruptive mid-facial squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and keratoacanthomas (KAs) consequent to radiotherapy. Our patient had a personal and family history of multiple KAs and SCCs. Multiple self-healing squamous epithelioma, otherwise known as Ferguson-Smith disease, was diagnosed. This case presented a therapeutic challenge to preserve tissue and avoid severe facial disfigurement. We found oral acitretin to be the treatment of choice.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acitretin / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy*
  • Facial Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Facial Neoplasms / pathology
  • Facial Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Humans
  • Keratoacanthoma / drug therapy
  • Keratoacanthoma / pathology
  • Keratoacanthoma / radiotherapy*
  • Keratolytic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / radiotherapy*
  • Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / drug therapy
  • Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / drug therapy
  • Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / pathology
  • Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / radiotherapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / radiotherapy*

Substances

  • Keratolytic Agents
  • Acitretin