Giant verrucous carcinoma of the lower extremity in women with dementia.

We present the case of an 81-year-old woman with dementia and a giant exophytic ulcerated tumour, which covered most of the lower leg and the dorsum of the foot and emitted a foul smell. The patient had chronic venous insufficiency for 30 years, and previously (appr. 20 years ago) had a squamous cell carcinoma in the same location (right lower leg) that could be treated surgically. The dermatopathological examination of a large excisional biopsy revealed a highly differentiated verrucous carcinoma (formerly referred to as papillomatosis cutis carcinoides). Pathologically modified lymph nodes (suspicious of lymphatic metastases) were observed. Possible treatment options (surgery, intralesional and systemic treatment) were discussed. Finally, due to extension, location of the tumour and the age and co-morbidities of the patient, a decision was made to perform radiation therapy.