Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Heel Invading the Calcaneus Treated by Radical Excision and Reverse Sural Flap

Cureus. 2020 Sep 30;12(9):e10740. doi: 10.7759/cureus.10740.

Abstract

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is relatively rare in the heel and foot. It is characterized by great loco-regional aggressiveness but low metastatic potential. If left untreated, cSCC can grow to a large diameter. The rarity and unfamiliarity of this condition pose therapeutic difficulties to many surgeons. We hereby submit the case of a 32-year-old male patient presenting with a large 14 x 8 cm scaly, ulcerated, and bloody skin lesion covering the entire left heel and invading the calcaneus. The patient was treated with radical excision of the mass and a reverse sural fasciocutaneous flap to cover the remaining heel defect, with a very positive outcome and no complications. This case is presented due to the rarity of the squamous cell carcinoma of the heel, and its large size (14 x 8 cm) in a relatively young patient, especially when it is invading the calcaneus.

Keywords: fasciocutaneous flap; heel cancer; heel flaps; heel reconstruction; limb preserving surgery; oncological surgery; squamous cell carcinoma (scc).

Publication types

  • Case Reports