Squamous cell carcinoma in plantar ulcers in leprosy. A case control study.

The objective of this case-control study was to identify factors associated with the development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in plantar ulcers of leprosy patients. We examined 2 matched groups consisting of leprosy patients with and without SCC in a plantar ulcer. No correlations were found between the development of SCC and race, profession, place of origin, duration of leprosy, the type and duration of leprosy chemotherapy, presence of bone involvement and type of ulcer care treatment given. The only statistically valid finding was that the duration of the ulcer was significantly lower in the group with malignant change. In this group there was an apparently higher use of pesticides, the difference being not of statistical significance. It is concluded that factors other than ulcer duration need to be looked for, in order to identify factors influencing malignant change in plantar ulcers of leprosy patients.