Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising from Chronic Osteomyelitic Sinus: A Report of Three Cases

The developement of squamous cell carcinoma from the draining sinus of chronic osteomyelitis has long been recognized as a rare and late complication. The mode of developement of carcinoma at the site of chronic osteomyelitis is not well understood. This, however, is chiefly a disease of middle aged men, and tibia is the most common site. There are two types in this carcinoma; superficial and deep types. In the superficial type obvious presence of fungaiing growth makes diagnosis simple and easily confirmed by biopsy. In the deep type the diagnosis is difficult clinically, but the features most frequently described are an increase in pain and discharge with swelling and hemorrhage. Amputation at the adequate level is the treatment of choice. Three cases of the disease involving one left femur, and two left tibiae are reported with review of literature.