title: [Squamous cell carcinoma on a leg ulcer in the West Indies].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The epidemiology of carcinoma developing on a leg ulcer is poorly, although high incidence rates are reported in Africa.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective study of cases reported in Guadeloupe, a tropical country with a large population from African descent and with high quality health care level.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixteen cases, mean age 71, were diagnosed over a 10-Year period in the only referral hospital. The annual incidence was an estimated 0.4/100,000. Preceding ulcers had a long course (mean of 27 Years) and had various causes. Social distress was the rule (14/16 patients). One third of the clearly differentiated (15/16) squamous cell-type tumors exhibited metastatic extension on presentation. At Year 3, the mortality rate was of 40 p. cent. The best survival rate (6 remissions/8 cases) was associated with primary limb amputation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Malignant ulcers appeared more frequent in Guadeloupe than in the influent countries of the North, but with an instance 4-fold lower than in Africa. Like many other tropical diseases, socio-behavioral factors may play a major role.
authors.affiliation: Service de Dermatologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Pointe à Pitre, Guadeloupe. philippe.muller@chu-guadeloupe.fr
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Muller
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Roul
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mahe
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Roudier
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vaque
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Strobel
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D014900:West Indies