Use of a Dermal Regeneration Template in a two-stage reconstruction after extensive skin surgery for Bowen's disease of the anterior neck - Case report.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Dermal Regeneration Templates may be used in the reconstruction of large skin defects after cutaneous malignancy excisions. Bowen's disease (BD; squamous cell carcinoma in situ) is a common and persistent condition that can be related to chronic sun damage, and consequently, is usually located on the head and neck area or on the lower limbs. Literature does not provide clear guidelines on the treatment of BD, limiting itself to describing a wide range of different methods that can be used, including surgery, laser therapy or topical options. However, large lesions tend to scar in the post-operative setting and hence are difficult to treat surgically. PRESENTATION OF CASE In this paper the authors present a case of a male in his 60s, ASA III score, who presented with a history of histopathologically-confirmed squamocellular carcinoma in the neck and supraclavicular region. Due to recurrent carcinomas the patient was treated with an extensive skin excision and a successful reconstruction using a Dermal Regeneration Template. The work has been reported in line with the SCARE criteria. DISCUSSION: The main surgical problem caused by BD is reaching complete oncological resection and, consequently, the need for extensive skin excisions. CONCLUSION: The use of the skin substitute resulted in a satisfactory functional and aesthetic result, with total clearance and no recurrence observed after 16 months.