Chronic arsenicism and multiple skin cancers.

ABSTRACT

Abstract We report a case of skin cancer who presented with an ulcerated nodule at left arm and finger. The patient was previously diagnosed Bowenûs disease at left calf one year ago, skin cancer at hand and foot nine years ago. He also received herbal medicine every month for 1 year since 50 years ago for herpes treatment. Multiple skin cancers were suspected to be induced by chronic arsenicism. High level of arsenic was identified from nails. Bowenûs disease at finger was treated with CO2 laser and squamous cell carcinoma at left arm was removed by surgical excision. Chronic arsenicism was treated by supportive care.