A simple sore can lead to limb amputation; metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the sole in a 22-year-old man

Sep 21, 2026

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Introduction and importance: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arises when normal keratinocytes transform into invasive cancer cells, usually after genetic mutations, and is common on sun-exposed skin but rare on the soles. Case report: A 22-year-old man developed a persistent sore on the plantar surface that started after minor injury two weeks earlier, worsened over time, and was diagnosed as SCC with lung and lymph-node metastases. Discussion: Non-healing wounds may mask malignancy even in young patients. Conclusion: Emphasizes early detection, aggressive treatment, and comprehensive support to improve outcomes.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

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Pages6

Reading Time15 min

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Introduction and importance

Case report

Discussion

Conclusion

Case presentation

International Journal of Surgery Case Reports 124 (2024) 110378 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect International Journal of Surgery Case Reports journal [homepage:](homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/ijscr)[ www.elsevier.com/locate/ijscr](homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/ijscr) | Case report
A simple sore can lead to limb amputation; metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the sole in a 22-year-old man
Navid Farajia, Raheleh Pourbahram b, Rasoul Golia, Banafsheh Parvareshc, Hassan Alidoustd, Maryam Ebrahimi Dastgerdie,*
a Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Campus Nazlu, 11 KM Road Seru, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran
b Department of Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tajrish Velenjak 7th Floor, Bldg No.2 SBUMS, Arabi Ave., Tehran 1983969411, Tehran Province, Iran
c Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezar Jerib Avenue, Isfahan, Isfahan Province, Iran d Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Campus Nazlu, 11 KM Road Seru, Urmia, West Azerbaijan 575611-5111, Iran
e Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, 9W46+PXW, Shahrekord, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran | | | | --- | --- | --- | | A R T I C L E I N F O | | A B S T R A C T | | Keywords:
Squamous cell carcinoma cancer
Lymphatic metastases Amputation
Case report | | Introduction and importance: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a cancerous tumor that can develop when normal keratinocytes undergo a transformation into invasive cancer cells, typically due to genetic mutations that affect cell growth and differentiation. SCC is frequently found on sun-exposed areas of the skin like the face, ears, neck, and hands, but it is unusual to see it develop on the soles of the feet.
Case report: This case is about a 22-year-old man who came in with a persistent sore on the bottom of his left foot. The patient mentioned sustaining a small injury to his foot about two weeks before seeking medical help, which started off as a minor wound but deteriorated over time. Ultimately, the diagnosis revealed squamous cell carcinoma that had spread to the lungs and lymph nodes.
Discussion: This case highlights the importance of considering the possibility of malignancy in non-healing wounds, even in young patients without known risk factors. The initial presentation of a simple sore that progressed to metastatic SCC underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing skin cancers in atypical presentations.
Conclusion: This case highlights cancer's aggressiveness and atypical youth presentations, stressing early detection, aggressive treatment, and comprehensive patient support. Continued research is crucial for enhancing disease management. | 1. Introduction Skin cancers, particularly those originating from keratinocytes, represent a significant health concern, with non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) being the most prevalent form worldwide [1]. These cancers are primarily associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can lead to the development of various skin malignancies, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) [2]. SCC is one of the most common types of skin cancer, with an estimated 16,550 new cases and 2700 deaths due to SCC in the United States alone in 2022. However, the incidence of SCC on the soles of the feet is much rarer, making this case particularly noteworthy [3]. While NMSCs are commonly observed in older individuals with a history of chronic sun exposure, their occurrence in younger populations is relatively rare [4]. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant neoplasm that can arise from the tra

FAQs

What started the patient’s condition in this case report?

The 22-year-old man reported a small injury to the bottom of his left foot about two weeks before seeking care. It began as a minor wound but deteriorated into a persistent, non-healing sore.

What was the final diagnosis and how far had the cancer spread?

Diagnosis revealed squamous cell carcinoma that had spread to the lungs and lymph nodes.

Why is this case clinically important?

It highlights that malignancy should be considered in non-healing wounds, even in young patients without known risk factors, because atypical presentations can delay diagnosis and complicate management.

Sep 21, 2026

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